An unusual silver bowl and cover, maker's mark ZF, Venice, probably late 17th century

applied on a solid ground with filigree oriental flowers and meticulous granulations each one set into its own plain wire or ropework collet, openwork foot, engraved twice with Greek letters 'Β λ', maker's mark and lion of St Mark struck twice,

Finial slightly bent, dent to footrim, cover not fitting perfectely, general condition good
"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."

See Pietro Pazzi, I Punzoni Dell’Argenteria Veneta, Treviso, 1992, vol II, p. 146 for two recorded Venetian silversmiths with similar maker's mark, one in the late 16th, the other in the late 17th century. Although the bowl and cover  is hallmarked in Venice, it is influenced by Indian or Eastern decorative motifs. In view of this, it may be an imported item, the Venetian marks simply indicate that it complied with the Venetian standard of silver required by their guild regulations.