A RARE CHINESE EXPORT EUROPEAN SUBJECT OVAL BARBER'S BOWL, QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD, CIRCA 1750 |

the center painted with two birds facing each other with beaks close to touching and wings spread above a floating quiver next to a pine tree, set against a landscape, the rim with puce enameled shaped vignettes depicting floral motifs and Chinese inspired landscapes

An English Collection
Collection of Tom Tiberio, Seattle
Retrospection Antiques, Portland
Acquired by the present owners in 2004

In structurally good condition with minor and expected signs of wear including frits to the rim, wear to the gilding and flakes to the enamels especially the trees and birds.
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.

The original pattern, often called 'Valentine' or 'Altar of Love' contains amatory emblems, and usually depicts a pair of birds, Cupid's quiver and bow, an altar with two flaming hearts, a pine tree and a pulled-back garlanded curtain to the right. The present example is perhaps a variant of the original pattern. The original source print of the 'Valentine' pattern is not yet known, but has been attributed to designs by Pierre Brett, who was known to have provided the original drawing for the armorial service (circa 1743) made for Commodore George Anson. A teabowl and saucer of the 'Valentine' or 'Altar of Love' pattern is illustrated in David Howard and John Ayers, China for the West, Vol. II, London, 1978, cat. no. 355. For an example of the Anson service, see David Howard, Chinese Armorial Porcelain, Vol. I, London, 1974, p. 323, J5.