Beschreibung:

A pair of fine George III artificial 'Coade Stone' urn finials, late 18th century, stamped for Coade, Lambeth, the fluted ovoid bodies with domed integral covers and acorn finials, with waisted circular socles; one with stamp COADE LAMBETH 1794, the other with indistinct stamp COADE LA...; presented on square section artificial stone plinths cast with rams' masks and swags; approximately 120cm high overall, the plinths 34cm square Coade stone is a vitrified ceramic or stoneware body developed by Mrs Eleanor Coade during the 1770s. Known components of the recipe for this distinctive pale orange material include ball clay from Dorset or Devon, flint and sand, though there was some secrecy about the exact proportions of ingredients used. Eleanor Coade and her daughter, who was also called Eleanor, ran a successful and prolific manufactory in Lambeth, and produced statuary and ornament for many royal and aristocratic houses, including by appointment to King George III, and the Prince Regent. The design of the present urns appears in Coade's 1778 trade catalogue, no. 94 (plate marked N. 2 in the Sir John Soane museum copy of the catalogue). A pair of finials of identical design, in that case not presented on plinths, were sold at Christie's, the Michael Roberts Collection of Garden ornaments, 27 September 2004, lot 278 (£35,850). A pair of similar Coade stone pedestals with rams' masks to the corners, though now lacking the swags it once had, supports a pair of vases after the Antique at Chiswick House, London. One is illustrated in John Davis Antique Garden Ornament, the Antique Collectors' Club, 1991, p. 167, plate 4:6 Condition Report: The urns and plinths bear the usual minor marks, knocks and scuffs overall consistent with age and use. The surfaces have some mottled greyer areas, likely dirt or possibly evidence of a previous finish. The exposed edges are a little chipped in places including the fluting to the ovoid bodies, as is to be expected from the lot's age and brittle material. Losses and nibbles to edges of plinths (tops and bases), one with hairline cracking to top. Surfaces of plinths quite weathered in places. Small and quite subtle restorations in a number of areas, including to the edges of the fluting on one of the domed covers, the circular top edges, and to an extent, the bases and socles. The acorn finials have darker areas to the leaves, possibly repairs/retouching. However, despite the issues stated above, the urns retain their shape and integrity of design, and remain in highly presentable condition. There is evidence of a light brown residue near one of the socles, suggesting a possible repair. Condition Report Disclaimer