A Meissen silver-mounted cylindrical tankard circa 1740

painted after Nicolas Lancret's 'The Italian Theater' with Pierrot surrounded by other Commedia Dell'Arte figures in a landscape beneath gilt scrollwork borders reserved with shaped vingnettes painted in puce camaieu with figures in landscapes, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue, the silver mounts marked with date letter R (?) for 1742, Dresden city mark and the maker mark IIB.

The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973

Some overall occasional and minor scratching to the enamels. Please note that the porcelain on the handle has not been examined beneath the mount. Otherwise in good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The design source for the present example appears to be an engraving of 'Le Theatre Italien' by Nicolas Lancret (1690-1743), an example of which is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and is illustrated in Meredith Chilton, Harlequin Unmasked, p. 28, fig. 26.