A CHINESE EXPORT RUBY-BACK SOUP PLATE circa 1730

painted with three quail on or near a rock amidst flowering plants, the cavetto with a pale green trellis diaper border and the gilt-edged rim with a pink cell diaper-patterned ground reserved with three blue-edged panels of flowers and fruit. Sealed hair crack and small restored chip.

The Property of a Gentleman, sold, Sotheby's, London, February 24, 1976, lot 307
The Property of a Belgian Private Collection, sold, Sotheby's, London, November 8, 1994, lot 216

New York, International Asian Art Fair, 2002

2 1/2-inch haircrack at 6 o'clock.
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 in this pattern is illustrated by Williamson, color pl. XXXI (bottom, left); and another was sold at Christie's in London on April 6, 1998, lot 137.