A CHINESE EXPORT ROYAL ARMORIAL TEABOWL AND SAUCER circa 1747

each painted on the front or in the center with the arms of the Princes of Orange between lion supporters on a gilt trelliswork bracket bisected by a banderole inscribed with the motto VIVAT ORANYE, the rim with one or two gilt coronets on an X device within an elaborate border of floral garlands pendent from foliate scrolls alternating with flower-filled cornucopias.

The collection of Frances H. Horne, sold, Sotheby's, New York, October 14, 1993, lot 170 (six tea wares from this service)

Both with slight wear to gilding on edge.
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.

These pieces are from a rare service that may have been made for Prince William IV Karel Hendrick Friso of Orange (1711-51), or for one of his supporters, in celebration of his election in 1747 to the office of Stadholder (Stadhouder) for all of the provinces of Holland, restoring the stadholdership to the House of Orange, and declaring it permanently hereditary.  In personal correspondence, Christiaan Jörg notes that "there were many Orangist families who might have enjoyed ordering such sets, while there [also] were big festivities in 1747 in Holland and Batavia where such sets could be used as gifts or prizes."

The teapot stand from the aforementioned six tea wares in the collection of Frances H. Horne, is illustrated by Kroes, p. 310, cat. no. 226;  and the same teapot stand, along with the tea canister, were subsequently in the collection of Benjamin F. Edwards III, sold at Christie's in New York on January 22, 2002, lot 169.