A CHINESE EXPORT ARMORIAL SAUCER circa 1735-40

painted in the center in iron-red and gold with the arms of Sichterman of Holland within an underglaze-blue scroll roundel repeated as a border around the exterior rim, and on the interior rim four flowering branches within a cell diaper band.

Very minute chip to rim at 1:30. Remnant of label.
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.

According to Kroes, p. 201, cat. no. 115 2b, who illustrates the teapot from this service, this saucer is from a very large service "ordered in the second half of the 1730s by Jan Albert Sichterman (1692-1764)."  Jörg 1982, p. 357, endnote 197, adds that Sichterman "who came from Groningen rapidly carved out a career for himself in the service of the Dutch East India Company.  Among the posts he held were those of director in Bengal (1731-40) and Councillor of the Indies," when he would have had both opportunity and reason to order his porcelain service and additional display pieces.

A covered large vase similarly decorated and presumably included in the same order as this saucer, is illustrated by Howard and Ayers, Vol. II, p. 401, no. 399.  A bowl from this service is illustrated by Beurdeley, p. 194, cat. 191, who misidentifies the coat of arms as that of the French family of Foucquet (because "fouquet was the old French name for a squirrel").  A plate from this service was sold at Christie's in New York on January 25, 2000, lot 28.