A garniture of five Dutch decorated Japanese Sake flasks and gilt metal covers the flasks circa 1700, the decoration early 18th century

of square section, painted in the Kakiemon palette with birds in branches and in flight, the shoulders with four medallions with quails reserved on a red key-fret border, the largest flask with stylised foliage scroll in iron-red and gilding below the shoulders (one with flat repaired chip to shoulder, one with large chip to lower corner of side panel)

the large flask with flat repaired chip to shoulder (c. 1.5cm.), one small flask with large chip to lower corner of side panel (c.4.2cm.x 2.5cm.)
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The square form of these Japanese flasks derives from European glass and metal bottles, see J.Ayers, O.Impey, J. Mallet, Porcelain for Palaces, the Fashion for Japan in Europe, p. 146, cat. nr. 113 and for a blue-and-white example cat. nr. 53