A PAIR OF GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED FAHUA ENAMELLED STONEWARE STOOLS, THE STONEWARE CHINESE, MING, 16TH/17TH CENTURIES, THE MOUNTS FRENCH, 19TH CENTURY |

in barrel-shape, with cranes and lotus, each stool with two handles, the mounts Rocaille; (one cover and one stool restored)

The illustration of the catalogue is accurate.These two stools are not a pair as mentioned in the catalogue description. The stoneware: The stool on the left of the catalogue illustration with a cover recut, mounted and drilled three times. There are losses and wear to the glaze. There is a ca. 21 cm vertical hairline crack visible on the body of the stool. The gilt-bronze base is not stuck to the stool. The stool on the right of the catalogue illustration with the cover broken into three parts and restuck, drilled three times and mounted. There are wear and losses to the glaze. There are some cracks around the handles. Both stools have no bottom parts.The mounts: good overall condition. The gilding is rubbed and tarnished.Very decorative pair of stools.
"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."