A CHINESE EXPORT COFFEE CUP AND SAUCER circa 1780-85

each painted with three youths seated beneath a tree, one holding a houlette, another playing a gilt horn with a recumbent dog at his feet and a lady standing nearby, in the distance a shepherd and three sheep before a building with a spire, the sides of the cup and the rim of the saucer with colorful floral sprays.

The collection of Col. Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, sold by Sotheby Parke Bernet at "Pokety Farms", Cambridge, Maryland, May 27, 1980, lot 225 (a pair)
Hyde Park Antiques, Ltd., New York
Property Selected for a Private Collection by Mr. and Mrs. Rafi Y. Mottahedeh, sold, Sotheby's, New York, January 29, 1987, lot 486 (a pair)

Both pieces with wear to the gilt rim edge, cup with 1mm bubble (probably original) above handle.
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.

A coffee pot and cover with this scene is illustrated by Hervouët and Bruneau, p. 185, no. 8.7, who comment that the decoration is based on an engraving by Charles Nicolas Cochin le vieux (1688-1754), after the painting of 'La Danse' by Jean Antoine Watteau (1684-1721).  The authors note that the engraving is inscribed with a caption "that disapproves of the precocity of the young coquette: 'Iris c'est de bonneheure avoir l'air à la danse'," meaning that she is not old enough to want to stay and dance with the young men.