A PAIR OF CHINESE EXPORT PISTOL-HANDLED URNS AND COVERS CIRCA 1800

each molded on the front and reverse of the shield-shaped body with a blue enamel and gilt grapevine bordered oval panel painted in brown monochrome with two Chinese figures on a riverbank before a sailing junk above a molded husk swag and beneath a gilt-ground band around the shoulder painted in brown monochrome with a continuous landscape, raised on a slender stem and circular foot on an integral marbelized square base. Minor haircracks, repair and wear to gilding.

Covers: Both are in good condition with slight wear to the tips of the knops. They both have a very 'clean' appearance and it is possible they may be replacements. Left hand vase in catalogue photo: Has been restored where stem meets the vase; the restoration is well done. There is a small restored chip to the upper corner of the base; the restoration is well done. There are three haircracks to the neck, one is 2 1/2 in. long, one is 2 in. long, one is 1 in. long. The longer crack runs down from a shallow 1 in. restored rim chip; this restoration has been poorly done. There is some wear to the guilding overall. Right hand vase in catalogue photo: Has restoration and over painting along one side of the base, apparently covering a crack, and chips on the corners. The restoration is discolored and beginning to flake. One handle has been broken off and glued back on.
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.

This shape, taken possibly from a Wedgwood example after a Marieberg faïence urn inspired originally by a Scandanavian silver model, was translated into Chinese Export porcelain for the Portuguese market from 1775 onward, and later for the American market. A pair of vases and covers of the same shape, each painted with the 'Urn Mystérieuse', was sold in these rooms January 18, 2003, lot 897.