Two gilded and enamelled glass bottles, Europe and India, 18th century

each with clear glass body of square rectangular section, the sloping shoulder surmounted by a narrow cylindrical neck, decorated in polychrome enamels and gilt, facades alternating with human figure and floral stem

Both intact, in overall good condition, colours and gilding bright, some rubbing to decoration, as viewed.
"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."

Glass bottles of this shape, with a slightly domed shoulder, are known as 'case bottles' due to their resemblance with European bottles made for transport in wooden cases. Many were produced in Europe and painted in India. Two closely comparable pieces are in the Los Angeles County Museum (Carboni and Whitehouse 2001, p.286, nos. 140 and 141), and another in the Khalili Collection, London (Khalili 2008, p.107), and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, inv. no.21.26.11.