A CHINESE EXPORT BALUSTER VASE AND COVER FROM A GARNITURE MADE FOR CAPTAIN JOHN BARRY OF PHILADELPHIA CIRCA 1795

painted on each side with a sepia landscape panel.

Mudge, 1981, p. 138, fig. 48
Gordon, 1977, p. 139, pl. 125

The vase has a 1 1/4 inch crack to the rim and considerable wear to the gilding around the neck and shoulder and around the foot. The flower sprays are also partly rubbed away. The cover has a large chip to the animal knop and another to its ear; the gilding is rubbed and there are two minor 1/4 inch cracks to the rim.
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 garniture of five vases and covers of which the present vase was part descended from Captain John Barry in the Hayes and Hepburn familes, to, according to the caption to the illustration in Mudge (which was orginally published in 1962), Mr. and Mrs. Barry H. Hepburn of Chestnut Hill Pennsylvania.

Captain John Barry (1745-1803), who was given the honorary title Commodore, sailed as master of the ship 'Asia' from Philadelphia to Canton in 1789. He appears to have taken orders for porcelain from several individuals, as well as bringing back porcelain for his own family. His nephew and adopted heir, Patrick Hayes, sailed with him and it is his descendants who subsequently owned the Barry family porcelains. For a discussion of Hayes and his exploits in the China Trade see Lee, 1984, p. 148, and for Barry's voyages see Mudge, 1981, pp. 120-125.

See also lots 83 and 84 in the present sale.