A CHINESE EXPORT ARMORIAL PLATE circa 1755

painted in the center with the full arms of the Hohenzollerns as borne by Frederick II (The Great), King of Prussia, encircled by the Collar and Badge of the Order of the Black Eagle partially obscured by the wreathed and bearded male supporters against ermine mantling above a scroll-edged gold bracket inscribed with the motto Gott mit uns, the shaped rim painted at the top with the monogrammed Prussian eagle crest interrupting a gilt band and brown T-motif border.  Two tiny chips.

Ets M. Vandermeersch, Paris
Property of an American private collection, sold, Sotheby's, New York, October 23, 2992, lot 171 (a pair)

San Francisco, Fall Antiques Show, 1995
New York, International Asian Art Fair, 2002

2 mm chip on upper edge of rim 7 o'clock. Vandermersch sticker
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 platter from this service is illustrated by Howard 1994, p. 111, no. 106, who comments on p. 110 that the service was ordered for Frederick II (1712-86), known as "Frederick the Great," the King of Prussia from 1740 until 1786, "by the Königliche Preuzische Asiatische Companie zu Emden [which had been founded by the king,] and the arms are displayed in almost exactly this form in the Wappen Calendar 1749.  It is recorded that a large part of the service was lost in the North Sea on the return journey" from Canton when the ship, the Prinz von Preussen, ran aground on the East Frisian island of Borkum en route to Emden.

A soup tureen from this service is illustrated by Le Corbeiller 1974, p. 80, no. 32, who on pp. 80-83 provides an interesting analysis of the rarity of Chinese Export porcelain for the German market, as well as the "two rather romantic accounts" relating to the present service and its precarious journey to its destination, suggesting that it is quite possible that "the Dutch V.O.C. was instrumental in procuring the Hohenzollern and other German-market porcelains." During the 18^th century, Holland and Prussia enjoyed a certain easy peace culminating in the alliance of the houses of Orange-Nassau and Hohenzollern with the marriage of Prince William V of Orange (1748-1806) to the King of Prussia's sister, Princess Sophia Wilhelmina; and with the further marriage of their son Prince William I ([1772-1843], who became King of the Netherlands in 1814) to Princess Sophia Wilhelmina, the daughter of Frederick William II (1744-97), who succeeded his uncle Frederick 'The Great' as King of Prussia in 1786.

Another covered tureen and a wine cooler are illustrated by Lunsingh Scheurleer, pl. 156; and a wine cooler was sold at Christie's in London on June 15, 1999, lot 219.  Identical plates are illustrated by Beurdeley, p. 195, cat. 195; Clunas, p. 63, no. 46; Hervouët and Bruneau, p. 334, no. 14.32; Jörg 1989, p. 263, no. 106; Krahl and Harrison-Hall, p. 279, no. 124, along with an oval platter, p. 278 (elaborately painted with drapery to conceal old repairs); and Williamson, pl. XXXVIII (top, right).  An oval platter is illustrated by Kroes, p. 15, pl. VII; and a tureen stand is illustrated by Fuchs, p. 94, no. 54, and by Howard 1994, p. 111, no. 106.  A soup plate from this service was sold at Sotheby's in London on May 10, 1994, lot 97.