A PAIR OF MASON'S IRONSTONE HEXAGONAL LARGE VASES AND COVERS CIRCA 1815-35

each vase printed and painted on the gilt-edged sides of the exterior with various colorful figural, floral, landscape and river scenes and around the shoulder with sprays of oriental flowers between lilac-ground scrollwork-patterned borders reserved with demi-flowerheads and floral cartouches on the neck and foot, each faceted domed cover similarly decorated and with a three-head dragon knop, MASON'S Patent Ironstone China and crown marks printed in black. Minor haircrack, restoration and flaking to the enamel.

Sold, Christie's, at Ven House, Somerset, June 21, 1999, lot 109

There is a 5-inch fine haircrack running from the rim into the domed top of one cover. One of the dragon's heads of the same cover has been broken off and restored and possibly made up. Both the head and the panel beneath it on the cover have been extensively oversprayed. There is a chip to the cresting of one dragon head. Some of the enamel on the cover is flaking, especially around the rim. There is an approximately 9-inch section on the rim of the other cover which has been broken and restored and extensively oversprayed. The entire underside of this rim has been oversprayed. Some of the enamel on the cover is flaking especially around the rim and on the dragon's heads, one of which has a chip to the cresting. There are three very minor chips on the inner rim of one vase. Otherwise the vases are in good 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.
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.