A monumental Minton majolica cistern, circa 1870

modelled as a scallop shell, the handles formed as mermaids with arms crossed holding wreaths, the interior turquoise glazed, raised on an oval shell-moulded base moulded and applied with seaweed, wood stand, impressed factory mark and shape number 1301,

Given as a wedding gift some years after the marriage in 1959 of the
parents of the present owners;
Thence by family descent

To both sides at the base there is an extended firing crack. There are two hairline cracks issuing from the draining hole in the shell top. There are typical scattered glaze chips and some glaze crazing which has resulted in scattered staining. There is a chip on the rim.
"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 model, listed as `Mermaids and shell' in the factory records, was used by Minton to represent Minton majolica at several important exhibitions in the late 19th century, the International Exhibition of 1871 in South Kensington, Vienna, 1873, the Centennial International Exhibition of 1876 in Philadelphia, 1876, and at the Imperial Insitute in London in 1894. For a line drawing of the model see Professor W.Smith, The Masterpieces of the Centennial Exhibition, 1876, p.182. Another example of this model is illustrated by Joan Jones, Minton: The First Two Hundred Years of Design & Production, 1993, p. 155.