Italian, Doccia Ginori factory, circa 1850-60

modelled with panels representing 'Hercules and Iole' and 'the Death of Leander', separated by billowing fabric, the handles formed as pairs of putti holding helmets above suits of armour, on a square plinth foot applied with helmets at the corners, the cover modelled as two entwined dolphin, all supported on a square stand applied with masked heads joined by garlands, impressed fleur-de-lys mark to underside of stand and foot of vase

John Winter, J. Kräftner (eds.) Baroque Luxury Porcelain, exh. cat. Liechtenstein Museum, Vienna, 2005, p. 422, no. 273;
J. Winter, 'Doccia Porcelain at Ickworth,' Amici di Doccia Quarderni II, 2008, pp. 12-39, fig. 9-10

A large Doccia Ginori factory vase, cover, and stand, circa 1850-60 There are two hairline cracks at the shoulder, one on the left side at the reverse measuring approximately 33cm. long, the other on the right side at the front measuring approximately 11.5cm. long. There is a hairline crack at the lower section of the vase extending half way around the circumference. To the underside of the foot there are four short firing cracks three of which have extended. To the stand there is wear to the gilding.
"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 form of the vase is after models by Massimiliano Soldani Benzi and Giovanni Casini. An 18th century example of the form, although differing in the modelled relief panels depicting the Allegories of Dawn and Evening, is now in the Detroit Institute of Arts, acc. no. 1990.245, published by Winter (op. cit., 2005). The present vase has been altered slightly from the earlier example, with a larger foot and domed cover. A gesso model which relates to the present vase is still held at the factory, illustrated by Rita Balleri, 'I Soldiani del Marchese Clemente Vitelli', in Paragone Art, LVIII no. 74, July 2007, fig. 32.

The panel of the Death of Leander appears on a Doccia table fountain from the well known collection of Doccia porcelain at Ickworth House, inv. no. ICK/C/28, pubished by Winter,  (op. cit. 2008, cover, fig. 2).