A Nasrid marble basin, Spain, 14th century

deeply carved basin in square section with four petalled borders, with two drill holes, on a custom stand

Some light surface abrasion to marble of fountain, notably external side edges and interiors, the holes now sealed with small chip marks to edges, few hairline cracks in marble, some chips to bottom of base, otherwise, smooth and bright, the stand with some ware, as viewed.
"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."

Nasrid palaces were known not only for their sublime architecture and intricately designed facades and muqarnas vaults, but also for the abundance of water fountains present in their beautiful courtyards. Chief amongst these is the great ‘Fountain of the Lions’ at the centre of the Courtyard of the Lions (Patio de los Leones) in the Alhambra palace in Granada, the epitome of Nasrid patronage in Spain between 1232 and 1492. Commissioned by Sultan Muhammed V during the second period of his reign (r.1362-91), this fountain comprises of a monumental circular marble basin resting on the backs of twelve majestic lion sculptures (see F. Ruggles, Gardens, Landscape, & Vision in the Palaces of Islamic Spain, Pennsylvania State University, 2006, pp.199-200).

A number of similar architectural fountains are preserved in the Museo de la Alhambra, including two with comparable petalled designs attributed to the fourteenth century (inv. nos. 5.758 and 428; see Arte y Culturas de Al-Andalus: El Poder de la Alhambra, Pozuelo Calero ed., Consorcio para la Conmemoracion del Primer Milenio de la Fundacion del Reino de Granada, 2013, p.209, cat. nos. 206 and 207). Another close example, with alternating rectangular and curved angles, standing on a short, slightly splayed foot, is also in the Museo de la Alhambra, in the Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Alhambra, where it had been transformed into a baptismal font (see Arte Islamico en Granada, Propuesta para un Museo de la Alhambra, exh. cat. Palacio de Carlos V, La Alhambra, 1 April-30 September 1995, pp.357-8, no.126).