A Sèvres ormolu-mounted bleu nouveau ground 'vase Choiseul' circa 1765, the mounts later

of lobed boat-shaped form with vertical gadrooning and pearl collar above the oval foot, the blue ground overlaid with gilding, mounted with a spiral band along the rim and double-serpentine handles

the centre of the bowl drilled, some wear and scratches to interior of bowl, some wear to gilding of foot, small chips to underside of foot
"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."

The design for the 'vase Choiseul', in the Sèvres factory archives, is not dated. The Sèvres sales inventory mentions '2 vase Choiseul bleu nouveau' which were ordered for  'M. le commissaire du Roi' for 786 livres in 1763, and another 'vase Choiseul bleu et or' sold for 360 livres in 1766.

Another pair of bleu nouveau examples was sold at Sotheby's New York, 4.5.1984, lot 23, and another one with caillouté patterns and without mounts at Sotheby's London, 21.11.2000, lot 97. A vase of the same form, decorated 'à fond marbré blanc et gris', is at the Victoria and Albert museum, see T. Préaud and M.Brunet, Sèvres, p.164, pl.120