Italian, Faenza, dated on each side 1527

with a polychrome female portrait medallion inscribed 'fra.sca' and elaborate blue-ground grotesques including two scrolls each with date 1527

C. Ravanelli Guidotti, Per ricordare Gaetano Ballardini nell'ottantesimo della fondazione del Museo di Faenza, (1908-1988). in Faenza, 74, 1988, pp. 14-15, tav. II;
C. Ravanelli Guidotti, Thesaurus di opere della tradizione di Faenza nelle raccolte del Museo, Internazionale delle ceramiche in Faenza, Faenza 1998, p. 292, fig. 28;
C. Ravanelli Guidotti, Delle gentili donna di Faenza: Studio del 'ritratto' sulla ceramica faentina del Rinascimento, exh. cat., Palazzo della Esposizioni, Faenza, Ferrara, 2000, pp. 108-109

There are several areas of old restoration in the form of over-painting to the ewer throughout. When viewed under a UV light a network of break lines becomes partially visible but it is difficult to determine extent of damage.
"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."

The rare form appears to be derived from enamelled copper originals; a closely similar ewer with the arms of Zannoni (?), is in the Metropolitan Museum New York, see J. Rasmussen, The Robert Lehman Collection Vol. 10, New York 1989, no. 25; another is in the Hermitage museum, St. Petersburg, see E. Ivanova's exhibition catalogue 'Il secolo d'oro' in Faenza 2003, no. 26; another, with the arms of Gonzaga and Este, was in the Alphonse de Rothschild collection, see J.V.G. Mallet, 'Mantua and Urbino' in Apollo 114, 1981, pp. 162-169.

A similar ewer was also in the Richard Passavant-Gontard collection, Catalogue, 1929, no. 216.