North Italian, Savona, probably Girolamo Salomini, early 18th century

of baroque helmet form with bearded mask spout, painted in high-temperature colours with a young couple walking among ruins and gnarled trees, pentagram and S mark

The inside of the spout is sprayed and therefore presumably restored, but the exterior shows little beyond the edge of the rim. The footrim has restored chips at the edges
"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 mark has been attributed to Salomini and to Siccardi, but the pentagram also occurs alongside letters other than 'S', and a firm attribution cannot be made, as with so much Ligurian faience.