A Sèvres orange tub the porcelain 1757-58, the decoration possibly of later date

caisse carré, painted en camaïeu rose with rose trellises, one side also with a vignette of Cupid, one corner damaged

There is some rubbing and wear to the line of gilding to the feet. One corner finial has been broken off and re-stuck in place with a shall chip to the base of the finial itself approximately 7mm wide. There is also a small loss to the gilded rim nearby and a very shallow chip below the restored finial on the vertical angle which appears to have been re-gilded. Below the finial diagonally opposite, there is a minute chip to the corner and short fine crack approximately 4mm long running from the corner point to the base of the finial. There are scratches to the glaze in the interior of the tub.
"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 incised B mark is commonly found on this shape of flower holder.  It may be for Nicolas Brachard père, a répareur at the factory, see Rosalind Savill, Catalogue of Sèvres Porcelain, Vol. III, p. 1088.  For a pair of caisses carrés with similar decoration at Waddesdon Manor, see Svend Eriksen, Sèvres Porcelain, 1968, pp 56-7, no. 12.  For a Vincennes plate with the identical painted vignette in a private collection see Genviève Le Duc, Porcelaine tendre de Chantilly, 1996, p.345.  Due to the way the putto has been painted on this lot and the fact that only one side has been fully decorated,  it has been suggested that this orange tub was redecorated in the nineteenth century.