A Chantilly kakiemon wine bottle cooler, circa 1740, with gilt-metal mounts

seau à demi-bouteille, of cylindrical slightly tapering form affixed with two dragon form handles at the rim, painted in kakiemon style with a squirrel on a banded hedge with trailing vines, hunting horn mark in iron-red enamel,

One dragon handle lacking end of tail. Each dragon with minor chips along spine.
"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."

This small cooler was intended for half-size bottles, and filled with ice was probably used for dessert wine or liqueur. A pair of this of this form and pattern was sold in these rooms, 26th November 1968, lot 63; a cooler of this form, though in a different pattern with similar gilt-metal mount at the foot was sold at Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, 5th May 1977, lot 147.