A RARE CHINESE EXPORT CRAB-FORM TUREEN AND COVER, QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD |

delicately and realistically modeled crouching with one claw raised towards its mouth with four legs on each side of the body, the cover modeled as the carapace with protuberant and freely moving eyes and surmounted by a shell-form knop, all supported and fixed on a lotus shaped stand incised with veins and with rolled edges painted with flower sprays and floral roundels

Cover – Good condition Base – the slender 'trailing ends' of two crab claws at the back right of the tureen have been restored. There is a minute chip to one of the knobs of the crab leg back left. There is a very fine glaze line running partially around the tray on the upper side, directly above the foot and roughly following it, presumably stress / firing related.
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.