A CHINESE EXPORT COFFEE CUP circa 1785

painted within a gilt oval panel with a scene depicting the assassination of Sir George Brander, the victim lying in a glade below his nephew Thomas, whose knife drops from his flailing hands, the rim bordered with a purple meandering ribbon entwined with a floral garland, and the ridged loop handle with a gilt scroll device.

The collection of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Williamsburg, Virginia, sold, Sotheby's, New York, January 24, 1990, lot 358

Gilding worn off the rim edge, front of footrim with a 3mm chip under the surprised man, rim with a 1" haircrack over the head of the reclining man, interior with faint clouds of speckling.
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.

The sugar bowl from this service is illustrated by Hervouët and Bruneau, p. 204, no. 9.37, who indicate that "the scene commemorates the assassination of Sir George Brander, who, during the second half of the 18^th century worked in Canton for the Honourable East India Company, establishing excellent relations with the Oriental merchants.  Upon his retirement, Sir George sent as his replacement in the post his nephew and heir, Thomas, whose behavior in China was disastrous.  When Thomas returned to England in 1782, he compromised himself further with gambling debts, and when he begged for assistance from his benefactor, it was refused, and Sir George threatened him with disinheritance.  A dispute ensued in the spring of 1783, and at its most heated moment, Thomas stabbed his uncle.

A scalloped oval dish with this decoration was sold at Christie's in New York on January 25, 2000, lot 167.