A RARE CHINESE EXPORT PORCELAIN AMERICAN MARKET PUNCH JUG EARLY 19TH CENTURY

painted with a portrait of George Washington, in an oval surrounded by a gilt band and bead border, repeated on the opposite side enclosing a monogram, BH, the gilt band repeated around the rims and foot, the domed cover with a fu-lion finial.

Hirschl & Adler Galleries, New York, 2003

There is expected minor wear to the gilding. There is a minor firing flaw to the spout and a minor hair crack to the edge of the rim. The cover has tiny chips to the flange.
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 punch jug with a portrait of George Washington bearing different initials is in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and is illustrated in Jean Gordon Lee, Philadelphians and the China Trade 1784-1844, Philadelphia Museum of Art, p. 48, no. 3.

According to Lee, ibid, the portrait of George Washington is based on an engraving by David Edwin (English, active in Philadelphia, 1776-1841).