清道光 粉彩「七政寶」紋盃、盌一組四件 蒙古花押款

comprising a pair of winecups, a larger cup and a bowl, each decorated around the exterior with a parade of auspicious animals and deities of the qi zheng bao ('Seven Treasures'), each set on a lotus flower within a mandorla above the sea, below alternating gold animal masks suspending tassels and between bands of the bajixiang ('Eight Buddhist Emblems') in iron-red divided by shou characters at the foot and rim, the interior with a lotus medallion centred with a vajra motif, the white base inscribed with an iron-red 'Baragon Tumed' mark in Mongolian script, each with a western inventory mark

There are a few minor occasional specks or pinholes in the glaze on the interior of each and the gilding on the rims is somewhat rubbed, but otherwise all four pieces are in good condition.
"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."

The Baragon Tumed mark on the base is, according to Gerald Davison in The Handbook of Marks on Chinese Ceramics, London, 1994, the 'Mark of the West Wing of the Tumed Mongolian Banner (applied to a service made to commemorate the marriage of one of the Daoguang Emperor's daughters to a southern Mongolian prince).' It is also found on porcelains of later periods.