A group of Chinese Export 'Rockefeller' pattern dinner and dessert wares circa 1785-1800

each piece typically painted with panels of oriental figures reserved on a gilt foliate ground, within sepia or purple diaper patterned borders, comprising: four vegetable tureens and covers, a shaped footed bowl, two sauce tureens, covers and stands, two kidney-shaped dishes and a small oval plate. Together with an English porcelain small footed bowl and a mahogany square tray with brass fittings. One vegetable tureen cover damaged, tray distressed, some minor chips and hair cracks. 20 pieces.

Alexander and Helen Thomson, Duluth, Minnesota
Adam and Clara Thomson, Senior, Duluth, Minnesota, 1921, by descent
Adam and Muriel Thomson, Junior, Miami Florida, 1955, by descent to the present owner

 

The wood tray is badly broken on one corner and four of the corner blocks and one of the metal handles are detached. The porcelain pieces are all in good condition with just some patches of rubbing to the gilding on the sides and rims, except as follows: One vegetable dish cover has been broken into several pieces, one large piece is detached and part of the cover is riveted. There are no pieces missing. One of the kidney shape dishes has a 3/4 inch shallow chip under the rim. One sauce tureen cover has a shallow, very minor 1/8 inch chip to one end of the cover. One tureen stand has two less than 1/4 inch shallow rim chips to the upper rim edge.
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.

The present pieces have been in the posession of the Thomson family since the late 19th century. A fuller provenance together with biographical notes on the family is available and may be viewed with this lot.

An assembled part service in this pattern was in the Collection of Gianni Versace, sold in these rooms, May 21, 2005, lot 359.