A fine set of Meissen 'brocaded Imari' pattern plates circa 1740

of the 'Warsaw Service' type, painted in underglaze blue, enamels and gilding, the centre with a bird perched on a rock by a stream, within an elaborate brocaded Imari pattern border reserved with two cartouches of gold phoenix birds, the reverse painted with three trailing flowers in underglaze blue, iron-red and gilding, gilt-edged rims, comprising 22 octagonal and 9 lobed plates (minor wear to gilding)

Count Giovanni Battista Gilberti of Milan and thence by descent

all lobed plates with one or two filled rim chips (the largest c. 2cm..x 0.3cm.) and wear to edges of gilt rim, one octogonal plate with repaired flat rim chip (c. 1cm. x 0.8cm.), all octogonal plates with colour traces from metal hangers, all plates with minor wear to gilding
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This pattern was first made around 1730 for a service produced for the Warsaw Palace of Augustus the Strong and was continued until the early 1740's. A similar plate from the Hoffmeister collection is illustrated in D. Hoffmeister, Meissner Porzellan des 18. Jahrhunderts, Katalog der Sammlung Hoffmeister, Vol. I, cat.nr.172