A very rare Worcester mug, circa 1754,

of bell shape with a grooved strap handle, finely painted in famille rose style with a large bird perched on a tree by a pierced fence, his eye trained on a large snail on the ground, signed E.L. (?), 1754, hair-crack,

Formerly in the collection of Dr. H. E. Rhodes, sold in these rooms, 26th January, 1960 lot 104, and previously in the collection of Mr. Brown of Heathcote, Worthing.

English Ceramics Circle, 1948, no. 370, illustrated plate 82; Albert Amor, 1981 `Worcester Porcelain; the First Decade 1751-1761', no. 39

English Ceramics Circle Transactions, Vol. III (1931), Inscribed and Dated 'Scratch Cross' Pieces by Dr. H.E. Rhodes, pp.82-85, and plate XVIIIa.

Next to the handle there is a small chip to the upper rim and an associated hairline crack extending down for 7 mms. There is another hairline crack to the rim extending down the for approximately 20mms. above the painted stand of bamboo near to the handle.
"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."

Two very similar signed and dated mugs with the same decoration were sold in these rooms; one signed 'E.M.1754' on 29th June, 1965, and the other signed 'E.L. 1754' on 22nd February, 1972.  A waisted cylindrical vase with the same decoration was in the Rous Lench Collection, sold Christie's, 30th May1990, lot 454, Bonhams, The Sir Jeremy Lever Collection, 7th March, 2007, lot 21, and The Crane Collection, 31st March 2010, lot 60.  For a bottle vase with the same decoration, see Coloured Worcester Porcelain by H. Rissik Marshall, 1954, no. 84