of bulbous form of low footring with screw-fitted narrow cylindrical neck, decorated with polychrome enamels depicting floral bouquets between foliate gilt bands 

In good general condition, bright, small chip to one of enamel plaques near base and further very minor chips to extremities of enamel plaques near footring, the enamel on the neck with one minor chip, underside of footring with scratches and discoloration, very minor chip through petalled metal base, 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."

This sprinkler presents an exceptional example of Ottoman enamelwork, a technique which is scarcely seen on works of art of the period. Although the origin of late Ottoman enamels is unclear, a connection can be drawn with the many enamelled works which were imported from Central and Northern Europe, particularly Switzerland. The floral bouquet motifs which are repeated in each panel on this sprinkler demonstrate this European influence on Ottoman taste. Furthermore, the quality of the paintings on these enamels is akin to those produced in the nineteenth century at the Imperial porcelain factory in Istanbul for either the Dolmabahçe Palace or for one of the other Ottoman palaces in the city.