A PAIR OF CHELSEA PORCELAIN BASKET-MOLDED OVAL DISHES CIRCA 1755

each painted with a shadowed butterfly and various other insects within or on the diaper-molded and arched wickerwork rim and further molded at either end with a leafy sprig of grapevine forming a handle, red anchor marks. Some restoration.

Both with slight wear to the russet enamel on the rim edge, and very minor wear to the molded areas of the leaves and stems. The dish with the two insects in the center at one time in two pieces and riveted, but the rivets have been removed; the break runs from the notch on the rim above the small insect through the tip of that insect's left wing, across the tip of the grape leaf and to the notch at 4 o'clock; and the handle at that end restored. The other with a 5 ½-inch (14-cm.) crack running from the center of the lobe at 5 o'clock (where there is a leaf sprig, which is part of the original decoration) straight up through the lower right edge of the leaf) and forking there with one crack running to the left, the other turning into a firing crack running around the cavetto and through the caterpillar; the upper edge of the leaf's stem with a 3/16-inch (5-mm.) area of rubbing down to the raw porcelain; the green leaf tip protruding over the rim with a 1-mm. chip on its tip; and the handle at the other end restored.
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.