A PAIR OF BOW PORCELAIN 'BIRDS IN BRANCHES' CANDLESTICKS CIRCA 1760

the candle nozzle supported by a tôle-peinte stem.

Both with very minor and occasional chips, losses or restoration to the leaves or flowers. One has one petal of the candle nozzle broken and glued back; the glue has gotten old and brown; there is a further related haircrack running down inside the nozzle and forking in two directions. The tip of the tail of the bird on the right is chipped. The tip of the bird's tail on the left is broken off and restored back. One of the branches under the bird on the right is broken away. There are two, each 1/4-inch glaze chips to the edge of the base behind the dog. The other has an approximate 2-inch long section and a small part of the nozzle broken and glued back. The beak of the left-hand-side bird is restored. The tail of the right-hand-side bird is broken off and glued back, there is a further small flat chip to the tip of the tail. The bird on the right also has been off the tree trunk and glued back; there is a related 1-1/2-inch haircrack running upwards from the break towards the neck of the bird. The same tree trunk is broken off approximately 1-1/2 inches below the bird and glued back.
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.

A similar pair is illustrated by Peter Bradshaw in Bow Porcelain Figures, circa 1748-1774, p. 161, cat. no. 178. Another similar pair was sold in these rooms, December 9, 1986, lot 178.