A LARGE CHINESE EXPORT 'FAMILLE-ROSE' 'HUNTING' PUNCHBOWL QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

the deep rounded sides rising from a short tapering foot, finely and brightly enamelled to the interior with a medallion enclosing a European huntsman and his pack of dogs, encircled at the rim by taotie masks and leafy strapwork, the exterior with two large leafy scroll panels enclosing European equestrian hunters, divided by two smaller panels and all reserved on a rich gilt and iron-red diaper ground

The punchbowl is in very good overall condition with the exception of a 1cm., wide oval-shaped firing line/bruise to the bottom of the footring, minor flakes to the bottom of the footring, light rubbing and scratches to the glaze and enamels predominantly in the interior, minor rubbing and loss to the gilding on the rim, loss of circa 2 x 3cm. area of blue enamelsky on the exterior, and minor glaze firing imperfections including iron-spots, burst bubbles and small pieces of adhered kiln grit (one in particular to the head of the huntsman in the medallion).
"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."

Paintings and engravings of sporting subjects were greatly prized, both in America and England, particularly during the second half of the eighteenth century. The present bowl is a good example of the degree of accuracy in pictorial reproduction that the Canton painters were able to achieve. An almost identical bowl, from the collection of C. T. Loo, is illustrated by Michael Beurderley, Porcelain of the East India Companies, London, 1962, pl. XIII, where he suggests that the scene is taken from a European print made in 1753 by T. Burford after the painting by James Seymour, see p. 64. Another closely related hunting bowl was sold at Christie's London, 9^th November 1981, lot 290; and two were sold in these rooms, 16^th November 1976, lot 105; and 27^th June 1974, lot 279.