A GROUP OF CHINESE EXPORT TEA AND COFFEE WARES WITH THE ARMS OF NEW YORK STATE 1790-1800

comprising: a teabowl and saucer painted with the full arms; a breakfast teabowl monogrammed AC; a small plate monogrammed JSHR; and a coffee pot and cover. 6 pieces.

Gordon, 1977, p. 140, pl. 127 (the teabowl and saucer) and p. 19 (the plate)

The Coffee Pot: There is a star crack on the base. The handle has been broken off and restored back on and the overspray extends onto the body of hte coffee pot on both sides of hte handle. There is some restoration around the base of the spout, possibly a sprayed over minor crack. The cover has an old 1 inch restored rim chip and a very minior chip to one of the leaves on the handle. The plate: In good condition. The breakfast teabowl: There is a 1 1/4 inch haircrack running down from the rim and numerous small rim chips and frits to the rim edge. The Saucer: Good condition. The teabowl: 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.

Wares with this decoration are discussed in detail by Howard, 1984, pp. 87-94. A teabowl and saucer from the same service as the present example, one of only two services known with the full New York State arms, is illustrated on p. 87, no. C2. A plate identical to the present example is illustrated on p. 92, no. C25, where the author comments that this service bears the best painted pseudo arms of New York State. Interestingly the service with the initials AC, as found on the present breakfast teabowl, is not included in the checklist of porcelain with initials and New York State arms on p. 88.