A GOOD PAIR OF CHINESE 'FAMILLE-ROSE' FISH BOWLS QING DYNASTY, CIRCA 1735-40

each very finely painted on the exterior between gilt biscuit mask handles, with peonies, prunus and other flowers between narrow pale green diaper bands below the rim and on lower body, the flat rim reserved with panels of flowers on a green and lavender diaper ground, the interior painted with fish amongst weed and peony and magnolia. Together with later giltwood stands. 4 pieces.

Collection of Alfred Morrison (1821-1897), Fonthill House, Tisbury, Wiltshire (bearing 'Fonthill Heirlooms' paper labels numbered 592/2)
Collection of John Morrison
The Rt. Hon. The Lord Margadale of Islay, T.D.
Christie's, London, 18th October, 1971, lot 12.
Vita Juel, London.

One has a shallow 1 inch chip to the rim and two less than ¼ inch rim chips/frits. There are some patches of kiln grit, burst air bubbles and small glaze pulls on the interior; and a narrow band of what appears to be lime scale staining. One of the curls on the animal mask's mane has been chipped away. The manes are painted black and have either been repainted or misfired black rather than blue. And the gilding on the handles has probably been redone. The other has a 14 inch hairline crack running horizontally around the lower body just above the foot. It derives from a firing tear where the foot is luted to the body and is most visible on the interior. The gilding on the handles has probably been redone. There are a few less than 1/4 inch chips/frits to the rim edge.
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.

During the middle of the 19th century Alfred Morrison assembled one of the finest English collections of Chinese porcelain and works of art. Justly celebrated for both its quantity and quality, the porcelains in the collection included both Imperial pieces and fine examples of wares made for export to the West during the reigns of the Yongzheng and Qianlong emperors. The present fishbowls, which fall into the latter category, are of a general type made in some quantity - judging by the number of surviving examples - but which are rarely so finely decorated. An example of the more usual type is illustrated by George C. Williamson, The Book of Famille-Rose, Tokyo, 1970, pl. LIII; and another pair may be seen in the present sale, lot 60.