Lot 18
  • 18

A Meissen octagonal sugar box and cover of 'Half-Figure Service' type, circa 1723-25

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • porcelain
  • 11.5cm., 4 1/2 in. wide
painted by Johann Gregorius Höroldt with chinoiserie figures in half-length at various pursuits against a mottled-blue background, reserved in quatrefoil cartouches filled with Böttger-lustre, enriched by iron-red and gilded scrollwork, the cover with a band of gilded-scales, the sides of the box with small branches of indianische-Blumen, crossed swords mark in blue enamel,

Provenance

With Fischer-Böhler Antiquitäten, Munich;
acquired from the above in April 1965.

Condition

Overall in very good condition.
"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."

Catalogue Note

'Half-figure' type decoration is regarded as being among the finest of Meissen chinoiserie painting, and usually attributed to the painter Johann Gregorius Höroldt. Characterised by finely detailed figures at pursuits, usually cut off at the waist, and often before minimal blue-washed cloudy sky. Four teabowls and saucers of this type with similar gilded-scale borders at the rims were sold at Christie's Geneva, 31st May 1985, lots 181 and 182; and a teapot and cover was sold in these rooms, 29th June 1982, lot 95. Most recently a large group of 'Half-figure' teawares from the Marouf collection was sold at Bonhams London, 5th December 2012, lot 19. Other examples are in the Wark collection, see Ulrich Pietsch, Collection catalogue, London, 2011, pp. 140-141, nos. 112-115.