A CHINESE EXPORT ARMORIAL TEA CANISTER circa 1735

painted on the front of the lobed ovoid body with the elaborately mantled arms and crest of Baker of London and Worcester quartering Cholmley and impaling Bateman of Whitechapel in Middlesex, the reverse with a finely painted famille-rose floral spray heightened in gilding, and the shoulder with a gilt foliate-scroll border.

Michael Hogg, London, July 7, 1982

Blue enamel rubbed on arms; cover lacking.
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 milk jug from this service, sold in these rooms on January 23, 1992, lot 430, is illustrated by Howard 1974, p. 294, no. G3 (left), who notes that "this is one of four services [two tea services followed by two dinner services] made with these arms and in this style" between about 1735 and 1740, but this canister and the first of the following assembled pair of teabowls and saucers are from the earliest service.