Italian, 15th/16th century

with remnants of an old collection label to the underside

Overall the condition of the pot is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are slightly visible seam lines in the leather decoration, in particular at the lid, where there is a small loss. There is a lacunae (possibly with a function) at the lower molding of the body of the pot. The straps binding the pot to the lid are lost and there may have been a finial. There is a possibly later round plug in the bottom of the pot. Ink staining to the interior. There may have been an interior lining to the lid. Minor dirt to the crevices of the leather.
"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."

A very similar cuir bouilli (boiled leather) ink pot is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, catalogued as Italian, 15th century (inv. no. 50.53.2a,b). Two further examples, catalogued as French, 16th century, are in the Hanns Schell Collection (op. cit.).

RELATED LITERATURE
E. Berger, Prunk-Kassetten. Europäische Meisterwerke aus acht Jahrhunderten, cat. Hanns Schell Collection, Graz, 1998, p. 113, no. 99