A Pair of Blue-and White Porcelain Kalians, Chinese for the Persian Market, circa Late 17th Century

each in the form a highly stylized elephant with truncated tusks forming the double spout, a howdah-cloth decorated with lotus flowers against a geometric ground draped over the back.

Acquired in London in the late 1970s/early 1980s

One is intact, with very minor chips and abrasions on the base, rims of spouts, and rim at top of the cylindrical neck. The other is repaired across the base of the cylindrical neck, with slight restoration along the break-line. One ear and eye slightly chipped, very minor imperfections elsewhere.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For a very similar vessel, with single rather than double spout, compare A. Welch, Shah Abbas and the Arts of Isfahan, New York, 1973, p. 115, no. 82.