A pair of Italian parcel gilt painted papier mâché vases, probably Florentine, 18th century

each of ovoid shape with seated satyrs as handles joined by drapery, the center with carved oval cartouche with female masks, the reverse with a grisaille cartouce with figures, the white ground painted with blue figures and foliage 

These rare vases are in overall good conserved condition. They have been regilt and have some lacunae to figures. One vase with one arm broken and one hand and foot restored, the other with one hand restored and arm broken. Minor loses to gilding and minor flaws to decoration. Both feet have been repaired. One vase with mark to foot in reverse "1714". Please note that they are made of painted and gilt plaster and not as stated in the printed catalogue.
"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."

These exquisite and extremely rare vases are done in cartapesta - or papier mâché - and are unique survivals in this technique. They are clearly inspired by Mannerist and Baroque ewer and vase drawings published by creative designers such as Polidoro da Caravaggio (c.1499-1543), Stefano della Bella (1610-1664), and Jean Lepautre (1618-1682) and one can also see the influence of the 17^th century auricular style, in the use of abstract undulating forms, shown here in the finials and feet.

These vases can be related to a group of drawings for the decorative arts by Bolognese artist, ascribed by Peter Fuhring to the second half of the 18^th century, but clearly inspired by earlier designs. They are done in the same fluid style, with similar use of figures and cartouches to the body, especially to the reverse of the vases here discussed (see Peter Fuhring, Drawings for architecture and Ornament: The Lodewijk Houthakker Collection, London, 1989, pp.353-356, ill.544-549).