A RARE AND LARGE 'CHINESE IMARI' ARMORIAL CHARGER FOR THE PORTUGUESE MARKET QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD, CIRCA 1700-1720

brightly enamelled to the interior with a medallion enclosing the arms of Sampaio Melo e Castro, encircled at the broad flaring rim with an underglaze-blue, iron-red and gilt floral band

This fine and rare dish is in very good condition with the exception of some rubbing to the gilding, light scratches to the iron red decoration and minor firing imperfections including iron-spot glaze imperfections and light glaze scratches.
"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 similar plate, see one included in the exhibition Caminhos da Porcelana, Dinastias Ming e Qing, Fundacao Oriente, Lisbon, 1998, cat. no. 49, together with a cutlery box, pl. 44, a bottle and cover, pl. 46, and two coolers, pls 47-48, bearing the same arms. See another dish from the same service included in Nuno de Castro, Chinese Porcelain and the Heraldry of the Empire, p. 65, where the author notes that this was the fourth service made for Francisco Jose de Sampaio Melo e Castro, 11th Lord of Vila Flor, Military Governor of the Alentejo, Councillor of State, 66th Governor and 40th Viceroy of India between 1720-1723. Sampaio Melo e Castro died in Goa in 1723.