A Large Alhambra Vase attributed to Rafael Contreras, Spain, probably Granada, 19th century

the inverted pear-shaped body with a pointed base and wooden stand on four feet, wholly painted in red, blue and gold, at the rim a calligraphic motif, alternating palmette and hexagonal motifs at the neck with rosette form studs, the projected winged arms with foliate motifs and inscriptions, the main body decorated with a lobed semi-circle comprising gazelles, split palmettes, foliage, inscriptions and eight-pointed stars, a band of inscriptions running around the shoulder, to the bottom of the vase oval form filled with split palmettes, floral motifs and lobed cartouches with inscriptions

overall in good condition. some rubbing to the gold paint. colours are still strong. no major chips or abrasions. the footed base with some scratches, as viewed.
"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."

This magnificent vase belongs to a group of Nasrid revival examples based on the notorious 'Gazelle Vase', which was unearthed at the Alhambra in the late eighteenth century (Rosser-Owen 2010, p.69). Renowned for its intricate decoration and impressive colours, the 'Gazelle Vase' inspired imitations both by foreign and local artists. This included Rafael Contreras, who in the mid-nineteenth century succeeded his father José as the Alhambra's restorer and to whom the present lot is attributed. Under Contreras' leadership, a number of spaces in the Alhambra were restored following Orientalist tendencies and several plaster-cast architectural models of the building were produced. His craft and ability were noted in 1868 by traveller H. Pemberton, who wrote: 'Señor Contreras has a studio which... has blocks of Moorish work, exact copies, in miniature, of various parts of the Alhambra Palace, plain and coloured...' (H. Pemberton, A Winter Tour in Spain, London, 1868, p.222). Often intended as fancy souvenirs, this studio was also responsible for the production of objects linked to Islamic Spain, such as the current vase.

Further famous reproductions of the 'Gazelle Vase' include the ceramic example produced by French potter Joseph-Théodore Deck, a silver one manufactured by the Real Fábrica de Platería, which was presented to the outgoing British ambassador to Madrid in 1839, and a number of vases produced in Manises during the second half of the nineteenth century (Rosser-Owen, 2010, op.cit., pp.138-42, nos.137-9).