Group of English and Dutch delftware plates Circa 1760-80

Comprising: a dated Bristol plate painted with a Chinaman and two oxen within a landscape and inscribed on the back EMB 1760; four Dutch delft blue and white plates, each painted with two seated Chinamen in a fenced garden; two Dutch delft polychrome plates painted with birds and flowers and a Dutch delft blue and white plate painted with a grape vine. 8 pieces.

The dated Bristol plate painted with a Chinaman and two oxen: Broken in half and restored back. There are several small rim chips and a restored small rim chip. Four Dutch delft blue and white plates: Each with some minor typical chipping along the edges. One has a further approximate 3-inch fine haircrack runnig down the rim edge. Another has a 1-inch haircrack. Two Dutch delft polychrome plates: Both with some typical chipping along the rim edges. One has two large chips to the footrim and an extended haircrack. The Dutch delft blue and white plate painted with a grape vine: has been broken half and glued back and has a small chip to the underside of the rim, showing minimally on the exterior.
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.

An example similar to the Bristol plate, from the Victoria and Albert Museum, is illustrated in F. H. Garner and Michael Archer, English Delftware, cat. no. 95B, where the authors attribute the initials to Michael and Betty Edkins. Another similar example is illustrated in Louis L. Lipski and Michael Archer, Dated English Delftware, p. 136, cat no. 604, where the authors dispute the attribution to Edkins, stating that it would be improbable for Michael Edkins to refer to his wife, Elizabeth, as Betty, when decorating the plate.