Mintons

porcelain, of double gourd form, the deep blue ground gilt  with birds, flowers and fruits 

The blue is richer, more purplish than the catalogue illustration suggests. The gilding is of extremly good quality and is thickly applied and finely detailed. There is some faint mottling to the blue ground. There is a crack around the neck of the vase - approximately 3in. (7cm.) below the rim. It is not clear whether this was preliminary broken. The underside of the base is rough in places and it appears that the glaze may have run in the kiln and needed to be reduced in order to achieve a flat base. The mark on the base is printed rather than painted. There are some old marks and scratches to the surface. A very large and attractive piece of high quality.
"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."