A Sultanate Cast Bronze Ewer and cover, India, 14th/15th Century

with rounded body on a short splayed foot, thin fluted neck leading to a cylindrical, slightly flared mouth and stepped domical cover with bird finial, curvilinear handle linking rim to body also decorated with a small bird and drop motifs, with a bird-form double spout and an engraved band of flowerhead motifs to shoulder and foot

In overall good condition, patination across surface and some abrasion consistent with age, 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."

A similar ewer from the Hashem Khosrovani collection sold in these rooms, Sotheby's, London, 16 October 1997, lot 26.

Like the example from the Khosrovani collection, this elegant ewer, with its double-spout and fluted body, falls within an early group of Indian metalworks to have become stylistically independent from Persian artistic influence. Following the Indian lota form, the body of the present ewer has been refined with straight flutes below a long, thin neck and adorned with sculptural birds on its finial and curvilinear handle.