A CHINESE EXPORT ARMORIAL PLATE circa 1725-35

painted in the center with the arms of de Neufville within a spearhead-and-dot border around the well and a pink cell diaper border interrupted with flowering branches around the cavetto the rim with the demi eagle crest between famille-rose fruit sprigs alternating with three floral sprays within a gilt floral border.  Small chips.

Pol Michiels, Brussels, August 30, 1984

San Francisco, Fall Antiques Show, 1995

1/4-inch thin chip on outer edge at 4 o'clock, 1 mm chip at 2:30 on outer edge, minute chips on upper edge from 11-12:30, 1/4-in. and 1/8-in. flat chips on upper edge at approximately 11.30 upper edge, some stacking wear; collector's label.
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 these arms, see Rietstap, Vol. II, p. 308.  An identical plate is illustrated by Kroes, p. 144, cat. no. 50, who discusses the de Neufvilles, a wealthy Mennonite family in Amsterdam, and suggests that the most likely members to have ordered this service were Matthaeus de Neufville (1686-1743) or Jan Isaac de Neufville (1706-72).  Another plate from the present service is illustrated by Lunsingh Scheurleer, pl. 268; and a further example was sold at Christie's in Amsterdam on November 19, 1996, lot 199.