A matched pair of large Continental earthenware hen tureens and covers, 19th century

one modelled with its head turned back, with four chicks under its breast and an egg behind and decorated in shades of red and purple, the other of lighter colouring, with five chicks under her breast and another behind, 32cm., 12.5 in. long

Acquired by Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire (1920-2014) circa 1980

Deborah Devonshire, All in One Basket, London, 2012, p. 44

The Duchess writes, 'In middle age, when looking after my own chickens was too complicated, I gathered together pottery and china hens and ducks. They are less trouble than the live kind and are ever-present in my bedroom and sitting room. My favourites are a Belgium faience pair of life-sized speckled hens with heads turned back and beaks buried in their feathers, in that expression of poultry contentment hens wear after a dust bath on a spring day. One has a brood of chicks poking out from her breast, the other an egg. They are dishes - the top halves lids, heads and necks the handles.

I bought them from one of those expensive antiques shops that catered for rich tourists in Park Lane, long since replaced by a travel agency. I remember stopping and staring at them with a great longing. The price seemed wild at the time and it certainly was. A recent valuation put the dishes at less than I paid twenty years ago, but the price is not the point when grabbed by such a longing. They have given, and continue to give, great pleasure'.

Please note that the these tureens would have originally had fixed stands, which are now detached and are lacking. The tureen on the right in the catalogue illustration: the cover has several chips to the flange. The comb of the tureen has some abrasion-like chips to the edges. The tureen has a Y-shaped haircrack to the base. The rim edge has some occasional chipping. There are additionally several short haircracks running down the rim. 4 of the chicks are restored and have occasional flakings to the enamels. The tureen on the left in the catalogue illustration: The cover has the comb of the hen broken off and restored back. There is an approximate 2 1/2-inch haircrack running down from the rim edge. There is a 1/4-inch rim chip. The tureen has a large section on one side broken into 2 pieces and restored back. Another section on its back has been broken off (most likely when the fixed stand was detached) and restored back. There is a 2 in. by 1 in. restored chip to the edge of its tail. There are several short haircracks running down from the rim edge The chicks have occasional abrasions to the edges of the noses and/or their combs.
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.