A very rare Minton majolica large ewer and stand circa 1860

designed by Emile Jeannest and painted by Thomas Kirkby, signed, the ewer with four large oval panels finely painted in brown monochrome, comprising:  Bacchus accepting wine from a Nymph; a dancing bacchante; nymphs before a herm and Pan playing the pipes to a dancing nymph, the stand with four smaller panels, two of Pan and a reclining bacchante, and two of elaborate trophies. Small restored chip to rim of stand.

Sold, Sotheby's, London, November 13, 1992, lot 294

Both in generally good condition. The stand has an approximate 2 in. restored area to the very rim edge probably covering a small chip with overspray extending for 8 inches; there is also some minor glaze flaking and some additional overspray to the molded rim of the center bowl, not apparently covering any restoration; the foot of the stand has a minor ½ in. chip.
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.

Pierre-Emile Jeannest (1813-1857) worked as a modeller at Minton circa 1848-1854, and continued to produce designs for the factory on a freelance basis until his death.

Thomas Kirkby (1824-1890) was a painter and designer employed at Minton from circa 1837 until his death, latterly as Art Curator.  

A ewer and stand of this form, painted by Thomas Allen, and apparenty using the same 'maiolica'  technique of thick colored enamels on a thick white glaze, is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and is illustrated by Paul Atterbury and Maureen Batkin, The Dictionary of Minton, p. 248. A ewer of this rare form, with simple turquoise-glazed panels, was offered for sale at Sotheby's, London, October 5, 1993, lot 449.