A Pair of Doucai 'Birds and Prunus' Medallion Cups Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Period

each with deep rounded sides rising from a short foot to an everted rim, finely decorated around the sides in underglaze blue and contrasting enamels with four alternating medallions depicting either two enamoured birds perched on a camellia branch or red prunus among dense foliage, all between single lines encircling the foot and rim, the base inscribed in underglaze blue with an apocryphal Chenghua mark within double squares 

There are two small restored chips to the rim of one of the two cups with reglazing and associated repaint on approximately 1cm above one of the prunus blossoms medallions. There are some further firing imperfections including brown spots and specks on the interior of the same cup. The other cup is generally in good condition with a minute glaze gap between two medallions on one side and minor specks on the interior.
"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."

For the Chenghua prototype see A Legacy of Chenghua, The Tsui Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1993, cat no. C95.