A CHINESE EXPORT 'RHODE ISLAND' EAGLE-DECORATED SAUCER CIRCA 1805

painted with an eagle clasping a trumpet and shield emblazoned with an anchor, a puce banderole in its beak inscribed IN GOD WE HOPE.

There is some wear to the gilding on the rim edge and to the trumpet and circle of stars above the eagle's head, otherwise in 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.

The unusual version of the American eagle found on the present piece is taken directly from a design used on the masthead of the newspaper the Rhode Island Republican, between 1802 and 1805, further details of which may be found in the article 'Chinese Export Porcelain with the Arms of Rhode Island' by Elizabeth Sharpe, The Magazine Antiques, January 1991. A punch bowl with this design, owned by the statesman John Jay and now in the State Department, is illustrated by Mudge, 1986, p. 217, pl. 355; and a second similar bowl was in the Hodroff Collection, sold at Christie's, New York, January 21, 2009, lot 245. Aside from these two pieces, and a three piece vase garniture sold at Christie's, New York, January 24, 1997, all the other known examples of this pattern are teawares, the majority of which are in a part service now at the Winterthur Museum.