A Chelsea small sunflower tureen, cover and stand, circa 1755

the tureen naturalistically modelled as a yellow-petalled flowerhead, its seed-moulded centre forming the cover with a leaf knop, the stand similarly modelled as a large flower with a leaf and branch forming the handle, red anchor mark and numeral 2 to base of stand,

Tureen- some small chips and nicks to the tips of about 20 petals. Small shallow chip to the inner rim which the cover rests on. Cover- small chip to one end of the leaf handle and some minor chips along its edges. Some small nicks around edge of cover. Stand- chip along the edge to one of the green leaves with some re-painting along the edge approx. 2in.length. by 0.75cm. at deepest point. Small shallow chip to the edge of the other green leaf. There are two cleanly re-stuck points to the yellow flower petals, one approximately 1cm wide by 0.3cm deep, the other 0.5cm wide by 0.2cm deep.
"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."

Chelsea sunflower tureens and their stands are mentioned in the 1755 Chelsea Sale Catalogue, Third Day's Sale, 12th March, lot 31: 'Four large sun flower leaves, and 4 sun flowers to ditto;' see John C. Austin, Chelsea Porcelain at Williamsburg, 1977, appendix, where the sale catalogue is reproduced.