A CHINESE EXPORT 'PRONK PLUME' TEABOWL AND SAUCER circa 1740

after a design attributed to Cornelis Pronk, painted on either side of the exterior of the teabowl and in the center of the saucer with a gilt-heightened lavender and white plume device against a yellow diapered ground, the interior rim of each with a gilt-heightened lavendar border of lambrquins and tassels. Minor fine short haircrack and starcrack to saucer.

The rim of the saucer has a minor very fine 1/2-in. haircrack; and the center, within the footrim, has a very fine 2-in. haircrack that issues two further fine short cracks, none of which is apparent on the face of the saucer. The rim edge of the teabowl has a tiny discolored firing-related fault and there is some very minor wear to the gilt details of both pieces. Otherwise good condition.
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.

Eight pieces from a tea service, including a pair of identical teabowls and saucers, are illustrated by Clare Le Corbeiller, China Trade Porcelain: Patterns of Exchange, p. 59, no. 25, who also discusses on pp. 58 and 59 possible design sources for this pattern. Another similar teabowl and saucer, from the Collection of Mildred R. and Rafi Y. Mottahedeh, were sold in these rooms, October 19, 2000, lot 229, and are illustrated by C. J. A. Jörg, Pronk Porcelain, p. 39, fig. 15, where the author, in the absence of an actual watercolor design by Pronk for this pattern, addresses the plausibility of a Pronk design attribution. A teapot and cover and milk jug and cover, Property from a Private Collection, were sold in these rooms, January 18, 2003, lots 901 and 902.