A gilt-bronze mounted partly enamelled pot-pourri stoneware group, the stoneware Japanese, early 18th century, the mounts Régence, circa 1720

with a magot sitting atop a deer, on a shaped base with fruit and foliage; (the magot's head and the deer's feet restored)

- Probably collection of Marie-Joseph d'Hostun de La Baume-Tallard, Duc d'Hostun, Comte de Tallard (1683-1755);
- Probably his sale, Catalogue raisonné (...) des effets qui composent le cabinet de feu Monsieur le duc de Tallard, Paris, 22 March 1756, lot 1054;
Collection of Duc de Bouillon

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. The ormolu elements are in good overall condition. The gilding had been cleaned. The four circular feet are associated or replaced and were probably previously with leaves (traces of previous feet visible under the base). As stated in the catalogue, the magot's head, the deer/eland's four feet and horns had been restored. The ancient restoration could be easily removed. There is a minor chip to the left hand side sleeve of the magot. A very rare and decorative object.
"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."

Animals on gilt-bronze mounted bases are characteristic of the taste of collectors of the second half of the 18th century. Several descriptions of these types of objects can be found in sales catalogues of the time, as in the Louis-Jean Gaignat sale of 1768,  lot 113, described as a magot on a buffalo, recognisable in the catalogue annotated by Saint-Aubin and reproduced here. Examples of other objects with stoneware animals and figures are described in the Livre Journal de Lazare Duvaux, n°1664 and 2517.