An Italian maiolica double-handled albarello, circa 1530, perhaps Siena

inscribed GALVZA PESTA.

Acquired by the present owner, early 1980s, Paris

Some chips and surface abrasions. Very well-done restoration around neck and upper rim. Stable crack behind proper right handle. The surrounding area above the inscription and slightly into left side of the portrait roundel appears to have been restored, bottom of proper right handle restored. Lacking glaze along bottom of foot.
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.

An albarello of similar form and palette is in the British Museum, no. 1885,0508.23. The London example, like the present lot, is also painted alla porcellana at the neck and the foot and incoporates grotesque figures. The British Museum's albarello is now given to Siena, but has in the past variously been described as Faenza, or probably Tuscany.

RELATED LITERATURE
Dora Thornton and Timothy Wilson, Italian Renaissance Ceramics: A Catalogue of the British Museum Collection, London, 2009, vol. 1, no. 117