A CHINESE EXPORT EGGSHELL SAUCER circa 1740

painted with the half-length figure of a fashionable lady touching the brim of her straw hat with her right hand and carrying over her left arm a gilt basket of fruit, the rim with a border of gilt foliate scrolls and strapwork.  Tiny chip.

San Francisco, Fall Antiques Show, 1995

Miniscule chip on outer edge of rim at 2 o'clock, another at 5:30, a nick at 10 o'clock.
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.
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A polychrome saucer with a similar half-length figure is illustrated by Hervouët and Bruneau, p. 118, no. 6.9, and appears to follow the unknown print source quite closely, as evidenced by the grisaille hatched lines of the basket and shading of the lady's arms.  The figure on the present saucer surely is based on the same original, although the Chinese painter has taken the liberty of changing the bodice of the costume and adding a pearl necklace.