A pair of Wedgwood 'variegated agate' vases and covers, circa 1780

of egg form, the surface simulating agate in tones of brown and cream slip, applied with two gilded loop handles with satyr mask terminals, the body with a moulded band from which hangs an applied band of fabric festoons, the shoulder and foot with stiff acanthus leaf bands and foot with leaf moulded edge, all picked out in gilding, supported on white stoneware bases with moulded guilloche panels, bases with impressed WEDGWOOD marks,

The Montague Sainsbury Collection Christies, South Kensington 6 July 1999, Lot 438.

Both covers have restoration to the knop and spray to the flange. To one vase both handles have been repaired and re-gilt. To the other vase, one handle repaired and the other with re-gilding, repaired chip to foot. Both vases retain much of their original 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 present pair of vases are a rare survival, as very few examples of this form appear to be recorded in agate ware. Classed as shape number 275, the model was continued in jasper and several examples of this form are known with slight varying details. One with a black ground with figure decoration in white relief in the Felix Joseph Collection, Nottingham Museum, is illustrated by Diana Edwards and Rodney Hampson, English Dry-bodied stoneware, 1998, p. 79, 86, fig. 60, where the authors note that two in blue and white jasper were purchased by a Mr. Forster on 24th June 1786 for £6.6.0.