AN UNUSUAL PAIR OF PAINTED ENAMEL 'FAMILLE-ROSE' SAUCER DISHES QIANLONG MARKS AND PERIOD

of shallow circular form, each painted to the interior with different scenes featuring a lush panoply of flowers and fruit, including peony, lotus, pomegranate, finger citron, melons, and chrysanthemum, all borne on scrolling stems with feathery leaves, the reverse enameled white, the interior center set with a small gilt-bronze medallion chased with a flowerhead, each on the reverse with a central gilt-bronze medallion chased with a four-character Qianlong mark, set with gilt-bronze rims, wood stands (4)

Sotheby's London, 29th February 1972, lot 205.

One of the dishes (featuring the pomegranate) is in good condition, although it does have some light surface abrasions to the exterior, with a fine network of enamel hairline cracks also on the reverse, the most significant 1 inch long. One pinhole on the reverse. Expected rubbing on the gilt rim, and minor blue encrustation on the mark. The other dish (with the finger citrons) with minor surface abrasions on the interior and exterior. The exterior also with a series of enamel hairline cracks emitting from the rim, with a star crack near the mark, the longest 1 1/4 inch long. Some old restoration to the rim 1 1/4 inch wide, and another restored area on the rim 1/2 inch long. A 1 inch area of the rim where the enamel is slightly light blue and the surface dented. Some expected rubbing to the gilding.
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.

It is rare to find a chased Qianlong reign mark on a small gilt-bronze medallion on painted enamel works, as the more common mark is typically rendered in painted blue enamel. However, a similar reign mark appears on a painted enamel foliate saucer supporting a cup decorated with Western ladies, also attributed to the Qianlong period, in the Qing Court collection, illustrated in Metal-bodied Enamel Ware: The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 206.