A RARE 'FAMILLE-VERTE' PRESENTATION STAND OR PILLOW QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD

the rectangular form decorated to the top with two confronting phoenix among scrolling peonies, surrounded by two distinctive diaper designs, imitating brocade textiles tied by a blue ribbon to the underside, the two ends with circular openwork designs featuring Shou and Fu characters

John Pierpont Morgan Collection, no. 857.
On loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
Duveen Brothers (1915).
Sotheby's New York, lot 39 (according to label).

Stephen W. Bushell and William M. Laffan, Catalogue of The Morgan Collection of Chinese Porcelains, New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1907, p. 154, no. 857.

There are approximately six filled in surface chips, some repainted, the largest 1 1/2 x 2 inches. Two of the corners chipped. The fu character has been restored. All old restoration. Overall wear and surface scratches to the enamels. In otherwise good condition.
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 present piece was catalogued in the Bushell and Laffan book Catalogue of The Morgan Collection of Chinese Porcelains, as a 'Porcelain Pillow'. However, a similar piece, with a qilong handle on top, attributed to the mid-Kangxi period and referred to as a 'box for perfumed herbs' is illustrated in Warren E. Cox, The Book of Pottery and Porcelain, New York, 1944, vol. II, p. 577.