A PAIR OF 'FAMILLE-ROSE' 'HEHE ERXIAN' GROUPS QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

each modelled and brightly enamelled as two laughing boys seated on pierced rockwork, both dressed in long robes over baggy trousers, one bare-chested and carrying a string of colourful cash coins while the other holds a small dish with a peach fruit or a pair of ingots, the rock base marbled in pink and green on a white ground where a three-legged toad perches

One group is broken and repaired with a circa 17cm crack running vertically along one side of the rock between the boys and continuing into the base. The left foot of the bare-chested boy is lost in a clean break (2 x 0.5cm) and the end of the right sleeve is chipped (1 x 0.7cm). Other losses include a 1 x 0.3cm area to the fingertips of the other boy and another 0.7 x 0.3cm chip to one of the gold ingots on the small dish on the boy's hand. Other minor chips to the extremities are visible. There are occasional minor enamel losses and other glaze firing imperfections such as glaze pulls, burst glaze bubbles, iron spots etc. The other group has minor enamel loss and glaze firing imperfections including burst glaze bubbles, iron spots etc. The heads and torso of the figures are covered in a matt glaze compared to the other group.
"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."