Paire de rafraichissoirs en porcelaine Famille Rose à décor Pompadour Chine, dynastie Qing, circa 1745

à décor polychrome de fleurs diverses, branchages feuillagés, volutes, vignes et fruits, rehaussé de quatre cartouches à motifs de poisson ou d'aigle sous une couronne, armes attribuées à Madame de Pompadour

Collection nobiliaire française

The cooler to the left with the rear handle broken (approximately half is missing), the tip-end is further chipped, the other handle is also chipped on the lower edge (visible on the catalogue illustration), a few mild scratches to the outside, expected iron spots and dirt inside, but otherwise the cooler is generally in good condition; the second cooler also has chips and flakes to the edges of both handles (visible on the photo), some light scratches and minor firing faults to the glaze inside, otherwise good.
"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."

Although very likely to have been made for the French market, this service has been thought to have been made for Louis XV (eagle crest and crown) and Madame de Pompadour, whose family name was Poisson, although it would be unlikely that she would have allowed the connection with her somewhat bourgeois former name. However it was evidently a very extensive and lavish service judging by the variety of pieces which have survived. For a further discussion on this service, see D. Howard and J. Ayers, China for the West, vol. II, 1978, p.443, no.449.