A pair of George III blue john and gilt-metal cassolettes

in the manner of Matthew Boulton, the reversible lids with a leaf-cast finial and foliage, the baluster drip-pan ornamented with foliage and with fluted decoration, the ovoid blue john body ornamented with swags, on a leaf- cast socle and square base with floral garlands, on ball feet 

Good general condition. Both could benefit from cleaning. Both lids of a later date and do not fit well. Wear to gilding on both. Feet also possibly replaced. Cracks to blue john bodies.
"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 candle-vases are related to a form of candle vase made by the celebrated Matthew Boulton who produced vases, candle sticks and other objects of great beauty and quality at his Soho factory in Birmingham in the second half of 18th century. The vase design for the present lot, by Boulton, is preserved in the Birmingham Reference Library ( Pattern Book I, p.170), see illustration. Candle vases of this model were either finished with marble or other hardstones as in the present case or with copper bodies decorated in a variety of colours. A pair of vases of the present model with white marble bodies is illustrated in Nicolas Goodison, Ormolu: The Work of Matthew Boulton, rev.ed.., 2002, p.291. Another pair with gilt-copper bodies is illustrated Goodison, op. cit., p.291, pl. 248. For further comparison see Sotheby`s London, Important English Furniture 3rd July 2003, lot 138.