A pair of George III Blue John vases early 19th century

of gadrooned campana form and raised on veneered plinth bases with black and white hardstone mouldings

Both of these extraordinary vases would benefit from a deep clean and they are very much in 'country house' condition. They both feature old restoration. Vase A Repaired stem with loss at fracture site. The vase itself with a residual bonding agent (visible when the interior is examined) which may be a constructional device as this join is very straight, this occurs just inside the gadrooned upper edge, this is probably from the time of manufacture. The upper moulding of the plinth base has a re-glued chip to one corner, again there is a loss at this site. Minor chips to moulded elements of the base. The veneers on the base with natural faults and cracks. Vase B Repaired stem with an area of filler and a strengthening staple at this site. The vase itself with a residual bonding agent (visible when the interior is examined) which may be a constructional device as this join is very straight, this occurs just inside the gadrooned upper edge, this is probably from the time of manufacture. The upper moulding of the plinth base with a well done restoration to a large chip or loss at the edge. The black marble square on which the vase sits with a bruise to one corner.
"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 pair of fine vases utilise materials associated with Derbyshire, Blue John particularly, but also through the use of the black 'marble' employed. This is probably 'Ashford Marble' a locally sourced type of limestone quarried at Ashford-in-the-Water. A Derbyshire maker who used these materials was John Mawe (1766-1829). There are examples of his workshop production in the collection at Chatsworth. Whilst it is not possible to attribute these urns directly to Mawe or his workshops, he is worthy of mention as he is often associated with carved work of this nature that was not mounted, using these minerals, often to a neo-classical design.