An Italian polychrome painted and gilded maiolica mirror by the Manifattura Antonibon, Le Nove, 19th century

with a pierced cresting centred by a mask and lambrequins above a rectangular plate with a rocaille cartouche at each corner the pierced c-scroll sides with flowers and leaves, the whole painted and decorated with floral sprays

In overall good conserved condition. Some very minor chips. There is some minor restoration to the rear right corner which is slightly yellow in colour. There is an old glue repair to the top right acanthus spray on the corner which is off but present which will need reattaching and it has been restored with an old hairline crack beneath with a minor section missing from the tip of the spray which is not too noticeable. The opposing acanthus spray on the cresting has also been restored. The top of the cresting with the acanthus spray has been restuck. There is also an old minor restored break and further crack to the second c-scroll on the left side when facing but this is not too noticeable.
"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."

West of Venice and North of Vicenza, the first faience factories in the region were established at Le Nove, near Bassano, in 1728 by Giovanni Battista Antonibon, whose descendants ran it until the late 19th century. During the 19th century, many other faience factories were established around the area, and nowadays remain one of the main centres of ceramic production in Italy.  For more information, see G. Barioli, Ceramiche antiche di Bassano, delle Nove e di Vicenza, Venice, 1954.

For a very similar 19th century mirror from Le Nove, see lot 116,  sold in these Rooms, The Mirror sale, 8th June 2005.