A PAIR OF CHINESE EXPORT FAMILLE-VERTE TUREENS, COVERS AND STANDS circa 1735-50

inspired by a Rouen faïence example after a silver shape, each cover with a coiled snake handle and painted with sprays of flowers and butterflies within a trellis diaper border reserved with floral vignettes, each tureen with a similar but deeper border. One cover restored, some wear to the enamels.

One cover is considerably oversprayed, the restoration probably covering a long crack that runs to the center and curves around the knop. Although the restoration is old, it is well done and it is not possible to determine the full extent of the damage beneath. The tureens and stands have several very minor frits along the edges and some minor wear to the enamels, particularly on the stands where the tureens sit.
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.

Identical tureens with their stands are illustrated by Michel Beurdeley, Porcelain of the East India companies, p. 173, cat. 106; and by D. F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, Chinese Export Porcelain -- Chine de Commande, color pl. C, who comments on p. 118 that the form "is a true copy of the one made at Rouen of about 1728," an example of which is illustrated by Dorothée Guillemé Brulon and Claire Dauguet, Histoire de la Faïences Françaises, p. 102. An almost identical tureen and cover, form the Collection of Mildred R. and Rafi Y. Mottahedeh, was sold in these rooms, October 19, 2000, lot 349. Another tureen, differently decorated but of the same form, was sold in these rooms, January 18, 2003, lot 850.