A Group of Miniature Chinese Export Teawares Circa 1790

comprising: a tea canister and cover; a teapot and cover; a spoon tray; a cream jug; two saucers; two coffee cups; and a teabowl, each painted with a scene with children. 11 pieces.

Gordon, 1977, p. 87, pl. 78 (part)

Teapot – there is a haircrack running from the rim down approx 2 inches. There are some minor chips to the interior flange. There are two very minor ¼ cracks to the rim. Teapot cover – has a ½ inch chip inside the rim. The gilding is rubbed on the knop. Tea canister – has the neck entirely restored with some spray extending on to the shoulder. Tea canister cover knop is restored and probably made up. Jug – there is a short Y-shaped crack running down from the rim. Spoon tray – has been broken into several pieces and restored back together. Saucers – the smooth edged example has a ¼ inch chip to the interior rim and another to the exterior rim. There is a 2 inch star crack to the center and the glaze is suffused with fine black speckling. The barbed edged saucer is in good condition. Teabowl – good condition. Coffee cup – the one in the different pattern has a ¾ inch haircrack running down from the rim and two areas of restoration to the rim covering chips, one at the top of the crack. The other coffee cup is in good condition. Overall most pieces have some rubbing to the gilding on the rims and handles.
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 scene depicted on the present lot is derived from a mezzotint, Coming from School, by Thomas Stothard (1755 - 1834). Many variations of this scene exist; for instance, a particularly fine pair of plaques was illustrated by Cohen and Cohen, 2001, p. 42 and 43, no. 36.
A very similar miniature saucer with a different border is illustrated by Litzenburg, 2003, p. 173, no. 168. Another similar part miniature tea service from the Hodroff Collection was sold at Christie's New York, January 23, 2008, lot 398.