'THE SUN KING'. AN IMPRESSIVE HARDSTONE COMMEMORATIVE URN WITH JEWELLED GOLD AND ENAMEL MOUNTS, LATE 19TH CENTURY | 'The Sun King'. An impressive hardstone commemorative urn with jewelled gold and enamel mounts, late 19th century

the blue-john vase resting on a square mottled agate base, on four gold button supports, the whole richly apparelled with gold tassels, acanthus and strapwork in Régence taste, the body encircled by a band of openwork gold strapwork and foliage with a fleur-de-lis and the mononogram 'L' crowned and two oval scarlet enamel medallions applied in relief with gold cliché profile portraits of Louis XIV and his first consort, Marie Thérèse of Spain, within rose diamond frames, the swirling gold scroll handles surmounted by carved hardstone turbanned heads, apparently unmarked

Anonymous vendor, Sotheby's Geneva, 12 November 1987, lot 378

Two natural flaws which have turned into cracks at the lower section of the bowl below the portrait of the Queen, continuing inside the bottom of the bowl. One handle slightly loose.
"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 companion piece or pair to this urn is decorated with the crowned initial 'M' in place of Louis XIV's cipher, see Christie's Geneva, 14 May 1985, lot 12, where the vase is described as 'probably Dresden, circa 1715'.