An Italian carved white marble vase circa 1760-1770

of baluster form with an acanthus leaf carved cover and foliate knop above a beaded and leaf carved fluted neck, one side with a roundel depicting Flora, the other Ceres, the handles in the form of a pelican with a serpent in its beak suspending fruiting swags, on a beaded and fluted socle and a plinth base carved with stylised Greek key motif

Some very minor surface dirt. Some very minor staining as visible from photograph. Some miniscule chips commensurate with normal usage. Very attractively carved. The edge is chiiped off one roundel with the basket and also a section of fruit missing, but this is hardly noticeable. Some minor chips to claws of both birds. In otherwise good original 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. 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."

Comparative Literature:
John Wilton-Ely, Giovanni Battista Piranesi, The Complete Etchings, Vol. II, San Francisco, MCMXCIV, p. 988 and 989 nos. 910-911, for a design for a candelabrum based upon an Antique prototype with similar addorsed birds.