Four enamelled silver vessels, Lucknow, India, 19th century

comprising of a large silver dish and cover, two small brass bottle-vases on trays, and a tall bottle-vase on a tray, each decorated with emerald-green and cobalt-blue enamel between alternating registers of scrolling foliage

Dish and cover: In fairly good condition, the surface with some abrasion and discoloration, minor sections of silver and enamel missing, edges of cover with few minor dents and two small cracks, design visible on underside, with few minor patches of discoloration, the dish in generally good condition with minor losses to enamel and silver, few hairline scratches, as viewed. Small bottle-vases: Both in generally good condition, one with break in chain leading to lid which is currently detached (please consult a professional restorer for advice on restoration), some erosion and oxidisation to surface resulting in minor losses, as viewed. Tall bottle-vase: In generally good condition, some minor knicks and dents to bottle-vase and particularly interior of lid, the original chain which would have attached the lid to the body broken, but still attached to lid (please consult a professional restorer for advice on restoration), the dish with some surface scratches and areas of discoloration, minor knicks, as viewed.
"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 use of blue and green enamels are typical of production in Lucknow. The present examples use a higher proportion of enamelling to silver-gilt ground so that it appears to be part of the background (see: M. Zebrowski, Gold, Silver and Bronze from Mughal India, Lawrence King publishing, 1997, pl.72-74, pp.86-87).