A PARIS PORCELAIN BOTANICAL ICE PAIL AND COVER CIRCA 1825

probably Darte, painted on either side with a large spray of flowers and foliage above the foliate tooled gilt-ground lower body.

There is a pinhead chip to the underside of one corner of the base; and two minor curving fine stress-related haircracks (approximately 2 1/2 and 1 1/2 inches in length), probably caused by tightening of the bolt. There is some minor wear to the gilding of the rim edges (some of which is visible on the website alternate image) and some very minor occasionl spots of wear along the edges/corners of the base. Otherwise in overall generally 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.

A set of thirty plates from this service painted with various botanically rendered flower sprays and marked Darte Palais Royal no 21 was sold at Christie's, Amsterdam, July 4, 1996, lot 175.  A similar pair of blue-ground ice pails, covers and liners also marked Darte Palais Royale No. 21 were sold at Sotheby's, London, December 5, 1972, lot 157 (part of a 20-piece dessert service) and then subsequently at Christie's, London, February 27, 1978, lot 139. Another marked pair of ice pails of identical form were sold at Christie's, London, June 18, 1984.