A RARE 'CHINESE IMARI' ARMORIAL TEA CADDY FOR THE PORTUGUESE MARKET QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD, CIRCA 1720

the square straight-sided body rising from a flat base to a flat shoulder and tapering short neck, brightly enamelled to the front face with the arms of Sampaio Melo e Castro, the sides and reverse with underglaze-blue, iron-red and gilt floral sprays, metal cover

The caddy is in good overall condition with the exception of some areas of restoration to small frits around the sides and shoulder, a 3mm. long firing line at the bottom edge, three similar lines (8, 2 and 2mm. long) encircling the neck, light rubbing to the gilded and iron-red decoration, minor firing imperfections including iron-spot glaze imperfections, pinhead-sized glaze holes 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 very similar tea caddy see one included in the exhibition Caminhos da Porcelana, Dinastias Ming e Qing, Fundacao Oriente, Lisbon, 1998, cat. no. 45, together with a cutlery box, pl. 44, a bottle and cover, pl. 46, two coolers, pls 47-48, and a plate, pl. 49 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.