Wedgwood and Beyond: English Ceramics from the Starr Collection
Wedgwood and Beyond: English Ceramics from the Starr Collection
A PAIR OF WEDGWOOD AND BENTLEY 'PORPHYRY' 'FISH TAIL' EWER VASES CIRCA 1775
Auction Closed
October 23, 06:38 PM GMT
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
A PAIR OF WEDGWOOD AND BENTLEY 'PORPHYRY' 'FISH TAIL' EWER VASES CIRCA 1775
vase shape no. 152, after the engraving by Jacques Stella (1596-1657), of urn shape, each affixed on either side with a gilt mask handle terminal or spout joined by a band of vertical fluting at the shoulder, the cover issuing a long curving scaly gilt fish-tail handle, the creamware body motttled in shades of green and black to simulate porphyry, raised on a black basalt square base, embossed WEDGWOOD & BENTLEY: ETRURIA. circular marks.
Heights 12¼ and 12½ in.
31 and 31.8 cm
Property of David Style, Wateringbury Place, Maidstone, Kent, sold, Christie's London, June 1, 1978, lot 889
Pascoe & Co., Miami, Florida, June 1978
Wedgwood was inspired by a design which features on title page of Livre de Vases, the book of designs by French painter Jacque Stella (Lyon 1596 - 1657 Paris), published in Paris in 1667, etched by his niece Françoise (fig.1). It is known that Wedgwood owned a copy by August 1770, when he wrote 'I am glad you have met with such a Treasure in Stella, & shall be glad to have it here for our edification - Cannot Mr Coward offtrace the heads and handles so that we may have the book almost immediately, for I long to see it.', upon receiving the copy he later wrote' Stella's book is an admirable one indeed.', referenced by Robin Reilly, Wedgwood, London, 1989, Vol. I, p. 355.
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.