A CHINESE EXPORT ARMORIAL PLATE circa 1740-45

painted in the center with the arms of Van Herzeele of Holland between griffin and lion supporters on a gilt trelliswork drapery bracket against a bianco-sopra-bianco floral ground, the cavetto with a gilt spearhead border and the rim with a gilt-heightened grisaille border of peacocks, scalework panels, foliage, rocaillerie and strapwork entwined with a floral garland.

The collection of Dr. M. Bonner Engelhardt, sold, Sotheby's, New York, January 25, 1989, lot 351 (a pair)

Bleached 1 inch haircrack on rim at 5 o'clock, minor wear to gilding in arms.
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 is illustrated by Kroes, p. 301, cat. no. 217, who relates on p. 300 that "according to family tradition, a dinner service was ordered...at the Zeeland Chamber of the VOC.  When it arrived from China, it was offloaded on to the quay in front of the East India House in Middelburg.  However, one of the crates fell from the hoists and consequently all the vegetable dishes and chargers were broken.  Only a number of circular plates and dishes, including some saucer dishes, in several sizes remained undamaged."  As indicated by its descent in the family, a number of members of the Van Herzeele family could have commissioned the service, but probably it was made for the Rotterdam merchant, Pierre or Pieter van Herzeele (1702-83).

Another plate from this service is illustrated by Lunsingh Scheurleer, pl. 270; and a plate illustrated by Howard and Ayers, Vol. II, p. 395, no. 392, was in the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Rafi Y. Mottahedeh, sold in these rooms on January 30, 1985, lot 244.  A further plate was in the collection of Benjamin F. Edwards III, sold at Christie's in New York on January 22, 2002, lot 177.