A PAIR OF CHINESE EXPORT ARMORIAL LARGE PLATES circa 1723-25

each painted in the center with the arms of Visconti and Cusani, both of Milan, within a demi-ruyi-head border around the well and a cell diaper border around the cavetto, the rim with two sprays of fans and peonies and two sprays of iris and fungi, all alternating with four shaded rose hibiscus blossoms within a brown and gilt whorl band on the edge. Restored chip issuing a short hair crack.

The Cecil H. Bullivant Collection, Minehead, Somerset, sold, Phillips, London, March 22, 1988, lot 368

San Francisco, Fall Antiques Show, 1995
New York, International Asian Art Fair, 2002

One with a 1/4-in. restored rim chip at about 5.30 and an associated short sealed haircrack.
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.

A plate from this service was in the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Rafi Y. Mottahedeh, sold in these rooms on January 30, 1985, lot 272, and is illustrated by Howard and Ayers, Vol. II, p. 452, no. 458.  The authors comment that the service was made for Julio Visconti from Milan, who was living in the Low Countries when he ordered this service, probably on the occasion of his second marriage around 1722-23 to Teresa Cusani, also from Milan.  If, as David Howard has suggested in his remarks about the Lambert service (see the note to lot 12), citing it as the earliest appearance of famille-rose enamels on Chinese Export porcelain, then this service cannot date from before circa 1723.

Another plate of this size from this service was sold in these rooms on January 17, 1997, lot 1406.