A CHINESE EXPORT ARMORIAL FLUTED HEXAGONAL TEAPOT STAND circa 1730-35

painted in the center with the Royal Arms of Sweden within an iron-red and gilt floral and foliate-scroll border, the rim with three floral sprays alternating with quatrefoil devices beneath a gilt scallop-and-dot band around the rim.

Slight wear in center, gilding worn from rim edge, outer edge of rim with 2, 2mm frits at 6 and 8 o'clock.
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.

This teapot stand is from a service made for Ulrika Eleonora (1688-1741), the youngest daughter of King Charles XI of Sweden (1655-97) and Ulrika Eleonora of Denmark (1656-93), who in 1715 married Frederik (1676-1751), the son of Charles I, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel and Princes Maria Amalia of Courland. During Ulrike Eleonora's rule as Queen Regnant following the death of her brother, Charles XII (1682-1718), Frederik served as her Prince Consort, but in 1720, she abdicated in his favor, and he succeeded her as Frederik I, King of Sweden, becoming Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel as well in 1730.

A plate and tea canister from this service are illustrated by Wirgin, p. 153, nos. 161 and 163, respectively, along with a saucer and a teapot, nos. 160 and 162, from a very similar tea service made simultaneously for Frederik I, with his arms, rather than hers, in pretence on the Swedish Royal Arms.