A PAIR OF CHINESE EXPORT ARMORIAL LARGE CHARGERS CIRCA 1718-20

each painted in the center with the arms of Craggs surrounded by a profusion of flowering vines in an expanded Imari palette, the rim edge with an iron-red cell diaper border interrupted with six floral panels, and the underside of the rim with three Imari palette flowering branches.  One with a small chip and hair crack on the edge.

Sold, Phillips, Glasgow, Scotland, June 30, 1988

One with1 1/4-inch haircrack at 7 o'clock and 3mm shallow chip at out edge, minor stacking wear, one with 3mm chip and 4mm chip both very shallow at 9 o'clock, minor frits on opposite rim, both with scratching to black enamel of 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.

Identical chargers are illustrated by Howard 1994, p. 52, no. 22; and Tudor-Craig, color pl. opposite p. 46.  A plate from this service is illustrated by Howard 1974, p. 184, no. B8, who also notes on p. 55 that replacement pieces for the service were made about 1815, possibly by Spode, who accepted such special orders when "by 1800, the Hon. East India Company had ceased to trade in porcelain on its own account."

A covered sugar bowl from the Craggs armorial tea service is illustrated by Le Corbeiller 1974, pp. 44, no. 19, who on p. 45 discusses it in relationship to the development of the Chinese Imari style and its introduction into the trade with Europe. 

A slightly smaller charger from the collection of Cecil H. Bullivant, sold at Phillips in London on March 22, 1988, lot 42; and subsequently sold in these rooms on October 23, 1992, lot 142; was in the collection of Benjamin F. Edwards III, sold at Christie's in New York on January 22, 2002, lot 214; and then in the collection of Leo and Doris Hodroff, sold also in those rooms on January 23, 2008, lot 379.