A CHINESE EXPORT 'QUAKER FARMER' DEEP PLATTER CIRCA 1810

painted in grisaille with a man beside his cow in a bucolic farm landscape within a narrow foliate and gilt berried border at the rim.

There is a 3/4 inch area of restoration to the underside of the rim at approximately 5 o'clock. Some minor wear to the enamel in the center visible in the catalolgue illustration and some wear to the gilding on the rim edge. Note this dish is missing its pierced strainer insert.
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 'Quaker Farmer' pattern, examples of which are found executed in polychrome, green enamel, sepia and grisaille is closely associated with the Morris family of Philadelphia. A drawing of this subject, ascribed to Mary Hollingsworth Morris (1776-1820), which has long been believed to be the design source for the Chinese export wares, survived in the family and is now at Dumbarton House, headquarters of The Colonial Dames of America. Mary's husband Israel Morris (1778-1870) was an investor in the China Trade, along with several of his brothers, and numerous examples of 'Quaker Farmer' wares have survived within different branches of the family.

For a detailed history of the Quaker Morris family, their trade and farming interests, and an exploration of the possible souces for this design, see Brian J. Lang, From East to West "Quaker Farmer" Chinese Export Porcelain in America", the catalogue of an exhibition held at Dumbarton House, Washington DC, October 25 2005 - October 28, 2006. The catalogue also illustrates most if not all of the various versions of the pattern, including two platters from the present service, p. 46, pls 21 and 22. A soup tureen (lacking its cover) was in the Collection of William P. Harbeson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sold in these rooms, April 4, 1972, lot 55.