TWO CHELSEA PORCELAIN SUNFLOWER DISHES CIRCA 1755

each naturalistically modeled with shaded yellow petals radiating from a seed-molded center, the stem-form handle issuing two green leaves, red anchor marks. Minor tiny chips, one with a starcrack and some restoration.

The Property of a New York Private Collector, sold, Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc., New York, December 1, 1977, lot 130

A - Excellent condition. The longest petal with a 1-mm. chip on its edge near the tip; and with another 1-mm. chip on the other side about an inch down from the tip. The smaller leaf with two 1-mm. spots on the edge of the tip, which look like chips but are only tiny spots where the green enamel did not 'take.' The footrim with a 3-mm. chip. B - The center with a sealed five-arm star crack on the base, showing only faintly from the front, but with one arm running 3 ¾ inches up to the center the rim under the handle, and if that is considered 12 o'clock, then the second arm runs 5 inches to the rim in the middle of the upper lobe of the small leaf; the third arm runs 5 inches to the prominent petal at 4:30 o'clock, the fourth arm runs 4 ½ inches to a notch at 7:30 o'clock; and the fifth runs 5 inches to the center of the concavity at the edge of the large leaf. It would appear that the plate was not in five pieces, although all of the cracks run to the rim edge - however, it is also possible that some or all the pieces have come apart. The small stem of the large leaf with restoration. The tip of the large leaf with a 1-mm. chip and some tiny touch-ups along its edge. There is a small filled-in chip on the tip of the small leaf and on the petal tips at 3:30, 4, 4:30, 5, 6, 6:30 and 8:30 o'clock. The center with a few very minor speckles, but virtually no wear to the enamels.
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.