A CHINESE EXPORT TEABOWL AND SAUCER circa 1735

painted around the cup and in the center of the saucer with a cloaked figure holding a branch of gold coral and turning back to watch a scantily draped boy pulling a spotted hound on a chain before a vase of coral, fungi and peacock feathers, the interior rim with a grisaille trellis diaper border interrupted with three gilt floral panels. The teabowl with tiny chips.

John Suval, Inc., New York, June 13, 1987

Teabowl with 1mm chip near the standing man, miniscule chips above boy; saucer with tiny nicks in 9:30-10:00 o'clock region.
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 rare scene is reminiscent of those found on contemporary Chinese enameled metal wares showing similarly rendered Europeans carrying traditional Chinese tribute items, such as a branch of coral, a ruyi branch or a peacock feather.  A teapot (shown erroneously in reverse) and stand with this decoration, are illustrated by Williamson, pl. XVIV (bottom, center and right); saucer dishes are illustrated by Hervouët and Bruneau, p. 113, no. 5.8; and Lunsingh Scheurleer, pl. 222; and a saucer is illustrated by Veiga, p. 179, pl. 151.  An identical teabowl and saucer were in the collection of Dr. Anton C. R. Dreesmann, sold at Christie's in London on April 10, 2002, lot 447.