A two-handle vase, probably Deruta, late 15th century

painted in green, blue, ochre and red with a stemma on each face within formal scroll friezes, rope-moulded neck, shoulder and foot, blue P mark under right handle

Charles Damiron, Majoliques italiennes, Paris, 1944, fig. 16

typical chips and minor flaking
"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."

These early pieces, especially those with twin rope-twist handles, have changed attribution a lot over the years and are now generally considered to be from Deruta; see the examples discussed by Julia Poole, Italian Maiolica in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, 1995, fig. 248-254. It should be noted, however, that the P signature is found on several maiolica pieces from a Montelupo context; see the list made by Galeazzo Cora, Storia della maiolica di Firenze e del contado, secoli XIV et XV, Firenze, 1973, pp. 343-344