A documentary Talavera Jug 1699-1705,

of ovoid form with twin foliated caryatid handles, the neck with the badge of the Escorial above the inscription 'R^{mo .P.F.I.V. DE ST STEBAN,' the body painted with a pair of riders in a wooded landscape}

One handle broken and restuck, chips to footrim, other typical chips and flakes.
"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."

This jar comes from a celebrated series of jars, bowls and dishes made for the priors of the Escorial monastery over a short period from 1696 to 1723. No reason for this brief fashion has been found. The Reverend Father Juan de Santiesteban was prior from 1699 to 1705. Other examples include a group of pieces in the Museo Arqueológico Nacional, Madrid; a single dish in the Instituto Valencia de Don Juan; and a dish in the Philadelphia Museum. For a dish in the Victoria and Albert Museum inscribed to the same prior, see Anthony Ray, Spanish Pottery 1248-1898, p.185, no.344 and colour plate 41.