DERBYSHIRE, ENGLAND, 19TH CENTURY | Bowl

Lovely colour and a good example of its type. Heavy. Natural fissures and faults which could include some old repairs. However these do not detract. In ready to place 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. 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."

Blue John, sometime called Derbyshire Spar is a semi-precious mineral, a form of fluorite which was discovered over two thousand years ago by the Romans when they mined lead and other ores in the caverns of Castleton, Derbyshire. It was valued for its translucency, colours and overall beauty, especially in the 18th century. The origin of the name 'Blue John' is still unclear. It is thought to have come from the French 'bleu-jaune', meaning 'blue-yellow.’ Referring to the stone’s blue and yellow colours, the name would have then been corrupted to ‘Blue John’ in English. Another theory is that the name 'Blue John' derives from 18th century miners who separated the stone from Zinc Sulphites, known locally as 'black jack.'