A St James's (Charles Gouyn) porcelain bonbonnière in the form of a lady's head, circa 1753-55

modelled with brushed back hair wearing a bonnet tied with a pink ribbon, her rosy cheeks with three black beauty patches, her black mask framing her eyes formed of two rose-cut diamonds, the hinged base with enamel set with a band inscribed 'LIGE ME PERD QUI ME NEG' in gold on white enamel, the underside with hinged gilt-mount set with a transparent agate panel,

In good appearance. Some chipping along edge of her cap, and some fine surface scratching to her cheeks consistent with use. The enamel band on the mount is restored. The bonbonnière most likely mounted later.
"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."

Two bonbonnières of this form were in the collection of Otto and Magdalena Blohm sold at Sotheby's London, one without a mask, 4th July 1960, lot 33, subsequently sold, the property from the collections of Hanns and Elisabeth Weinberg and the Antique Company of New York, Sotheby's New York, 10-11th November 2006, lot 136; the other painted with a similar mask, 25th April 1961, lot 277. A third similar example with a similar mount was in the collection of Otto von Pannwitz, sold Hugo Helbing, Munich, 24-25th October 1905, no. 497.