A CHINESE EXPORT ARMORIAL PORCELAIN PART TEA SERVICE, 1760-70 |

each painted with the arms probably of Le Grand, Seigneur de Saint-German, and inscribed with LE GRAND below the arms, comprising: a teapot and cover, a tea caddy and cover, four teacups and saucers, 12 pieces

Sotheby's New York, January 16, 1997, lot 1454

The teapot with a star crack to the base, and an upside down U shaped glaze line to the lower terminus of the handle, there is a further network of glaze cracks around the base of the spout, possibly from firing. The teapot has a 'soft paste' appearance to the body and a slightly 'orange peel' glaze. The teapot cover with knop restored. The tea caddy with 2 chips to the lip (one with an associated very short hairline), and the cover with chips to the knop. 2 out of 4 saucers in overall good condition, two with a minute rim chip.Two tea cups in overall good condition, one tea cup with a small frit to the lower spur of the handle, and one teacup with half the footring restored the base with overpaint. All pieces with minor expected wear to the enamels and gilding, and minor firing imperfections.
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.

For the arms see Pierre-Paul Dubuisson, Armorial des Principales Maisons et Familles du Royaume, Paris, 1757, p. 177.