English, Norfolk, 14th/ 15th century

There are losses, wear, weathering and dirt to the surface consistent with age and placement outside. There are a few losses to the edges, the basilisk's head and the cockatrice's beak. There is a restoration to the left wing of the cockatrice. There is cement to the top of both figures.
"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."

LITERATURE
Forty Medieval Carvings from the Collection of Richard Wiseman, cat. nos.35 and 36.

Amassed over a period of seventeen years, the  stone architectural carvings comprising the Wiseman collection and depicting demons, men and fantastic beasts, were made to adorn churches and civic buildings in the Medieval period. Master masons looked to medieval bestiaries, the bible and pagan folklore for their subject matter and sought to both entertain and terrify the observer. The wicked and frightening subjects were meant to guide the viewer toward a life of virtue. The mysterious figures shrouded in foliage, the Green men, have been linked to both earth-related deities and to symbols of rebirth, representing the cycle of growth. While they seem to be pagan, they frequently appear in ecclesiastical architecture.