circular, corded silver-gilt rim, the silver-gilt bombé centre engraved with the Arms of the Avalos family, unmarked

colour refreshed.
"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 Avalos family was a Spanish family originating from Castille whose members were prominent figures of the Renaissance. Alfonso de Avalos y de Aquino (1502-1546) was under the service of Charles I of Spain and then governor of Milan; he had his portrait painted by Titian, circa 1533, which is now in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles. Other members of the family were eminent Spanish conquistadors such as Juan de Avalos who accompanied Hernan Cortes for the conquest of Honduras in 1526 and Capitain Alonso de Avalos who was the first to enter in Mexico in 1522 and gave his name to ‘the Province of Avalos’ for three centuries.

Such dishes are typical of the 16th century Iberian production, and could have been made in the Spanish and Portuguese empires. See for example a Portuguese copy with similar laurel borders, illustrated by Reynaldo Dos Santos e Irene Quilho, Ourivesaria Portuguesa nas coleccoes particulares, 1960, Vol. II, p. 29.