with a variety of river gods, river goddesses, various fantastic beasts and fish frolicking in the waves, two green serpent handles issuing from grotesque masks, resting on a triangular base with three dolphin supports. 

C. Ravanelli Guidotti(cur.), Ceramiche della piu' bella fabbrica, Brescia, 2006, pp.64-69, ca🗹t.no.15, fig. 15a. 

The entire upper section, mainly above the horizon line of the composition, including the handles and neck above this area (excluding the lion's heads), has been expertly rebuilt. There is a repaired break on the foot and some minor chipping to the feet and the lion's masks. The majority of the body of the vessel is painted expertly and has not been restored.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A very similar, brilliantly painted amphora also with a marine scene and incorporating snake handles and a similar foot with three supports (but lacking the dolphins) is preserved in the Galleria Estense in Modena; see Maria Grazia Bernardini, Guida storico-artistica, La Galleria Estense di Modena, p. 94, no.55. A related urn of baluster shape with entwined serpent handles, also painted with gods and goddesses and inscribed on the base FATTO IN BOTEGA DE M ORATO FONTANA was sold in these rooms June 29, 1964, lot 6 and a pair of similarly-shaped vases also painted with the same inscription as above are in the Philadelphia Museum of Art and dated 1560 and 1571, accession nos. 1944-15-2 and 1944-15-3.