A rare Dutch Delft cistern and cover, circa 1710-1720

by Lambertus van Eenhoorn, of baluster form with a moulded band at the rim and two large loop handles, the lower part of the cistern moulded with three pierced lion masks, painted in blue with birds amongst large flowering peony and prunus branches and rockwork, LVE mark over 34 in underglaze-blue, some restoration, 

There is restoration to the rim and finial of the cover. To the cistern there are internal body cracks issuing from the pierced holes which may have occurred during manufacture.
"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 closely related example by Lambertus van Eenhoorn without handles, with its original basin is in the Gemeentemuseum, the Hague, illustrated in the Delft Aardewerk Vol.I (1999) p.183, no.66. An example without piercings is in the collection of Sèvres Musée National de Céramique and is illustrated in the collection catalogue Faïence de Delft, 1998, p.152, pl.127.