Italian, Florence, 17th/18th Century

with two old paper labels inscribed:usircon [?] Robbiano and: 212

There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age and handling. There are chips to the terracotta, including some larger chips to the edges of some of the leaves around the edge. There is a loss to the top of one of the fruit. There are losses to the glaze and areas of restoration. There is craculature to the areas of restoration. There are a few stable fissures to the glazes, including around the central vegetable. There is a small, possibly original, hole to one of the quinces.
"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."

The present lot is offered with a thermoluminescence analysis report from Oxford Authentication Ltd dated 27^th January 2012 (Sample No: N112a20). The report stated that Sample A, taken from the basket, was fired less than 150 years ago, i.e. between 1862 and the present day. The report stated that Sample B, taken from a flower, was last fired between 200 and 400 years ago, i.e. between 1612 and 1812 AD.