A CHINESE EXPORT WALL SCONCE CIRCA 1740

in the manner of Cornelis Pronk, painted with two bearded figures, one holding a flower-filled basket and both wearing long robes, standing in a garden beneath a pine tree, within a cartouche and self-frame elaborately molded and colorfully painted around the edge with a pattern of C-scrolls, foliate scrolls and palmette devices, fitted with two later brass candle arms. Some minor flaking to the blue enamel of the frame. 3 pieces.

In generally good condition except for some flaking of the blue and green enamel, as shown in the catalogue
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.

Referred to as "tapestry sconces" by C. J. A. Jörg, Pronk Porcelain, p. 37, "after the wall coverings against which they were fixed", Chinese Export porcelain examples were most likely copying Dutch Delft models of plaques and sconces.  The author suggests that their wooden molds would have been made in Delft and then sent to China, and illustrates, p. 38, figs. 12-14, a Dutch Delft sconce dated 1721, as well as two slightly later Chinese examples attributed to designs by Cornelis Pronk by David Howard and John Ayers, China for the West, p. 294, and bearing close similarity to the design of present example.