A PAIR OF CHINESE EXPORT ARMORIAL DOUBLE-ENDED SAUCEBOATS AND COVERS circa 1745-50

en suite with the two preceding lots, the elaborate armorial arrangement painted on the cover, interrupted by the gilt chrysanthemum-blossom knop and flanked by gilt floral sprigs repeated in the center of the cover interior and on the interior of each spout on the sauceboat, the center of the sauceboat with a gilt hibiscus sprig, the exterior encircled by the gilt shell-and-foliate-scroll border, and the rim of each piece with a gilt floral border. One sauceboat with a repaired handle, the other with both handles repaired; the covers with repairs.

One from Ralph M. Chait Galleries, New York, March 26, 1987
The other from William Doyle Galleries, Inc., New York

One boat with handle restored, very shallow 2 mm chip on upper edge of one spout, 3/8 inch rough patch on rim near one handle; one boat repair to both handles; one cover with spout cover repaired, one cover with end of one spout cover with restorations, small chip on one side re-gilt and short associated fine haircrack.
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.

See the note to lot 53.  An identical covered sauceboat is illustrated by Le Corbeiller, 1974, p. 99, fig. 54; and Lunsingh Scheurleer, pl. 173, who, on p. 219 unexpectedly identifies it as an "oval, covered ragout-tureen."  An identical pair of covered sauceboats was in the collection of Benjamin F. Edwards III, sold at Christie's in New York on January 22, 2002, lot 168; and a single example from the same collection was sold also in those rooms on January 20, 2004, lot 207, along with a plate from this service, lot 208.

 

See illustration on the following page.