A RARE CHINESE EXPORT OX-HEAD TUREEN AND COVER, QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD |

modeled in two sections, the cover with two curving horns and ears with large eyes and open nostrils, the tureen forming the lower jaw with rounded teeth in front and tongue in the center, all decorated with flower sprays

Collection of H. H. the Prince de Ligne
Sotheby's London, May 28, 1968, lot 226
Helen Glatz, London
Dinastia auction, April 17, 1969, purchased by Mrs. Mary Espirito Santo Silva (according to Rockefeller Archives Center record card) 

The tureen has restoration to the teeth, lip, tongue (tip and base), and an area of over-spray to the cleft of the neck. The cover has both of the ears and one of the horns off, re-stuck, and extensively over-painted. The tip of each horn has restoration. Some of the restoration has discolored with age (as illustrated). Aside from restoration to the extremities, as described, the body of the tureen and cover are in overall good condition with only minor manufacturing imperfections (such as tiny iron spots, as illustrated).
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.

Compare almost identical examples sold in these rooms, October 16, 1969, lot 100 (complete with stand), another on November 14, 1978, lot 213, incorrectly described as the present example, and Christie's London, March 19, 1979, lot 75. An example of the same form, but more elaborately decorated with a circular panel reserved on the forehead painted with European figures, is illustrated in Michel Beurdeley, Porcelain of the East India Companies, London, 1962, pl. I. That example from the Espirito Santo Collection, and later sold in our Monaco rooms, June 23, 1986, lot 1107.