A RARE BERLIN TIN-GLAZED AND LACQUERED EARTHENWARE GARNITURE OF FIVE VASES AND THREE COVERS CIRCA 1840

each of octagonal form and decorated in lacquer paste and gilding on the front and reverse of the black-ground exterior with a cartouche depicting scenes of Chinoiserie figures at various pursuits within an elaborate silvered scrollwork, oak leaf and acorn border molded in relief, the covers with fo-dog knops, comprising, three baluster vases and covers and two beaker vases, artemisia leaf mark painted in blue.

The Estate of Giuseppe Rossi, sold, Sotheby's, London, May 10-12, 1999, lot 301

Beaker vases: Both have restoration around the rims and edges of the base. Both also have extensive overpainting and stabilization to the lacquer surface. Overall there is small flaking to the lacquer. Baluster vases and covers: One cover is extensively restored; the other covers have restoration knops and rims. One baluster vase has restoration to the neck. All have some restoration to the edges of the feet. All three vases and covers have some deterioration and repainting to the lacquer surface. On all five vases, the molded cartouches appear to have been repainted. On the strong light, two of the baluster vases have a green rather than black ground and it is possible that the garniture is assembled.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Two similar lacquered black-ground baluster vases as well as a red-ground baluster vase and two beaker vases are illustrated by Samuel Wittwer, "Die 'Berliner Lackvasen' Eine These," Schwartz Porcelain, pp. 248-49, where the author also discusses, pp. 237-49, the influences upon and the technique employed in the unusual decoration, the various forms, the history of related research and the lack of original source material and the reattribution of the dating of the vases from the 18th to the 19th century.