A CHINESE EXPORT ARMORIAL SMALL BEAKER VASE FOR THE PORTUGUESE MARKET CIRCA 1790

painted on the front and reverse with the arms of Portugal and the City of Lisbon, beneath a foliate band at the rim and a neo-classical foliate border at the foot.

There is an area of restoration to the rim edge which has discolored - it appears to cover a half inch rim chip and associated 1 inch haircrack, and an adjaced smaller rim chip. The vase is partly filled with a heavy substance to weight it against falling - it is unlikely this could be removed. Slight wear to the gilding and enamels overall.
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.

According to Howard and Ayers, 1978, p. 384, no. 379, "the arms are of modern Portugal and Lisbon....as born[e] by the Resident Canons of the Royal Monastary [sic] of Sao Vincente de Fora in Lisbon". Santos, pp. 590-593, no. 4.07, illusrates a pair of similar beakers and a pair of bough pots with these arms and notes that it has been suggested, but not proven, that pieces with this decoration were made for the Convent of Saint Vincent de Fora. Surviving pieces with this decoration appear to be limited to square-section bough pots and small vases of the present form, an example of which from the Mottahedeh Collection was sold in these rooms, January 25, 1989, lot 403; and another at Christie's, New York, January 21, 1999, lot 23.