PAIR OF UNUSUAL CHINESE EXPORT TEAPOTS AND COVERS FOR THE AMERICAN MARKET CIRCA 1795

each painted on both sides with an eagle clasping arrows in its talons beneath a halo of fifteen gilt stars and an indistinct monogram.

Both pots have some wear to the gilding on the rims, end of spout, to the vine pattern around the shoulder and to the monograms. Both covers are otherwise in good condition. One teapot has a very faint minor star crack to the base, and a fine star crack to the body just above the eagle on one side - extending no more than 1 inch in each of the two longest directions of the 'star' The other teapot has a three pointed star crack running entirely across the base, this has been oversprayed on the exterior but is visible on the interior. There is a fine star crack to the body, just beside the spout.
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.

The halo of fifteen stars presumably denotes the number of states in the Union at the time this service was commissioned, therefore placing the date of the commission after Kentucky joined as the fifteenth state in June 1792 and before the addition of Tennessee in June 1796.