A CHINESE EXPORT PLATE circa 1750-55

painted with an amorous couple in a garden being observed by a lady standing at the window of a nearby house, in the distance a town with two church spires, the cavetto with a grisaille and gilt cup-and-ball border, and the rim with a gilt shell-and-foliate-scroll border.

San Francisco, Fall Antiques Show, 1995

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.

An identical plate is illustrated by Hervouët and Bruneau, p. 198, no. 9.10, who note that it was taken from an engraving by Nicolas de Larmessin IV (1684-1753) after Nicolas Lancret (1690-1743) "depicting 'La Servante justifiée,' a story from Jean de la Fontaine [1621-95], directly inspired by one of the Contes of the queen of Navarre," from which they also cite the appropriate passage.  That plate was in the collection of François Hervouët, sold at Sotheby's in Monte Carlo on June 22, 2987, lot 1638, and the de Larmessin engraving was illustrated in the accompanying catalogue.  A pair of plates with this decoration was sold at Christie's in New York on January 23, 2008, lot 121.