A CHINESE EXPORT TEA CANISTER AND A COVER circa 1750

painted in Meissen style with a version of 'The Sailor's Farewell,' depicting a lady with her arm around a tree, standing near a dog and looking toward a gentleman pointing to a fleet of sailboats in the distance, the far shore with small figures and buildings, and the cover with a ship near a church amidst trees and rocks.  The neck with a small hair crack, and the cover probably married but well matched.

A West Coast Collection, sold, Christie's, New York, June 24, 1980, lot 95

Gilding to neck thin but probably original, 3/4" haircrack from rim above sailor's head, gilding on scroll around foot slightly worn; cover appears to be married, its gilding worn on the rim edge and knop.
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 scene on this tea canister and cover is an unusual variation of 'The Sailor's Farewell' (see lot 148 for the more standard version).  The romantic subject matter would have appealed to European sailors in Canton, who perhaps could not afford to order specially designed pieces, but wished to take home a souvenir for their wives or sweethearts.  The subject appears on Chinese export porcelain in at least ten variations, including a happy reunion known as 'The Sailor's Return.'