Spanish, early 17th century

Overall the condition of the pendant is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is wear to the gilding, particularly to the parrot, notably to the head and back. Some of the enamelling on the lid of the pomander is lost, notably to the fruit. There are various other losses to the enamelling, including to the underside of the pomander. There was probably a jewel in the parrot's chest, now lost, and replaced with a gold plug. The pearl may be a replacement. The parrot is slightly loose. There are residues of oxidised material to the interior of the pomander. There is some minor warping to the upper edges of the pomander. There are various small nicks and scratches consistent with age. The pearls are untested.
"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 charming pendant comprises a small pomander surmounted by an enamelled parrot. A similar parrot with an opening in the chest for a jewel is in the Museo Arqueologico, Madrid (Muller, op. cit., fig. 147). The deep hemispherical pomander, together with the parrot, relates closely to another pendant in the British Museum (inv. no. WB.165). The applied and enamelled fruits beneath the parrot compare with applied flowers on a pendant formerly in the Melvin Gutman Collection, sold Sotheby's Parke Bernet, New York, 17 October 1969, lot 84.

RELATED LITERATURE
P.E. Muller, Jewels in Spain. 1500-1800, New York, 1972, p. 79, fig. iv and p. 93, no. 147; H. Tate, Catalogue of the Waddesdon Bequest in the British Museum, London, 1986, pp. 128-134, no. 24