A large silver jar and cover,, probably Portuguese or Portuguese colonial, late 17th century

applied with four grotesque masks in embossed baroque flowers, birds and strapwork, beaded monster handles, detachable cover with owners initials GES, unmarked

Join of body and foot with old lead solder repair, it must have leaked, but cleanly done and barely visible, very small area of corrosion on the body, general condition is good, good colour, lively decoration, highly unusual object.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

No other jar of this type and size has been identified, but a 16^th century two-handled example in the cathedral of Seville bears comparison with its combination of demonic masks, symmetric diamond shapes and scrolling strapwork¹. Marked Portuguese silver provide many examples of the baroque flowers, birds and ribbon-tied ornament displayed on the jar, as well as the flower and its sculptural petals which make up the finial². The attribution to Portuguese work is further supported by a bowl and cover with Lisbon marks from circa 1700, which belonged to Dom Fernando II, King of Portugal (1816-1885) which has an almost identical finial (see Fig.1).

¹Maria Jesus Sanz, La Orfebreria Sevillana del barroco, Seville, 1976, vol. 1 pl 16 and vol. 11, p. 171

²Reynaldo dos Santos  and Irene Quilhó, Ourivesaria Portuguesa, Lisbon, 1959, vol II, p. 130