A VENETIAN OR FAÇON DE VENISE BLUE-TINTED GLASS PAIL OR SITULA, 17TH CENTURY |

of tapering form moulded with ribs with a folded rim, applied with two clear glass lugs supporting a wrythen loop carrying-handle, the footrim with a clear band,

Anonymous sale, Christie's Milan, 10th June 2002, lot 494;
acquired at the above sale.

There is a hairline crack in the base which extends from the pontil in two directions to the footrim, at one side the hairline crack curves about 3.5cm high into the body. The glass could benefit from a light clean.
"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."

Similar vessels of this type were possibly used to store Holy water. See the example Erwin Baumgartner, Venise et Façon de Venise Verre Renaissance du Musée des Art Décoratifs, Paris, 2003, pp. 60-61, fig. 19 where the author lists recorded examples. Smaller examples were included in a private collection of glass sold at Christie's London, 28th March 2000, lots 14-17. A clear glass beaker of this form without an affixed handle is in Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam, acc. no. 95 (KN&V).