A RARE PAIR OF 'FAMILLE-VERTE' 'HEN AND CHICK' EWERS AND COVERS QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

each hen naturalistically modelled recumbent on an oval base with two small chicks at the side, the long tail feathers forming a loop handle and the beak forming the spout, surmounted by a chick on a lotus leaf cover, one body predominantly glazed in aubergine, the other in yellow, with details picked out in green and black, wood stands

Both ewers are in good overall condition with the exception of restoration to the 'chick' knops, a small flake and restoration to one wattle on the aubergine-glazed chicken, a small glaze flake to the rear and to the tail of the yellow-glazed chicken, minor glaze firing imperfections including firing lines to both.
"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."

For a very similar pair of ewers, see Regina Krahl, The Anthony de Rothschild Collection of Chinese Ceramics, vol. 2, 1996, pp. 408-9, where the author dates them to c.1700-1720.