French, probably late 19th century, heavily gilded two piece set with terracotta red ground and fine gilt outlining, saffron yellow bands with green borders and finely painted cameos of lyres, the ewer with molded sphinx head spout and fine cameo portrait of a woman, 11 x 5 x 6 in.;ÿthe ovoid basin with cameos of stellate roundels, 3-1/2 x 14-1/2 in.; each inscribed in gold "M. Imple de Sevres", with early "?. P. Harbeson / Sevres" labels to basesÿÿ; Provenance: Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc., New York, Lot 270, purchased in 1972 for $350 (accompanied by original receipt and catalog page); The Estate of William N. Banks, Jr., Newnan, Georgia
Condition
basin with some glaze inconsistencies and pinholes to red ground, some losses to iron red at basin floor, some areas of cold paint (as made), light scratches, some gilt loss, light wear to bases,ÿpartial labels to base