A rare pair of Chinese Export famille-rose 'hawk' boxes and covers Second Half 18th Century

Gordon, 1977, p. 94, no. 81

One box has a 2 inch hair crack running from the rim towards one of the feet. There are restored chips to the claws of both feet. The other box has extensive overpainting on the exterior, apparently covering chips to the exterior rim and enamel flaking; the tail is also overpainted underneath and on the edges of the green feathers, again, probably covering chips and flaking. Looking at the interior of hte box, no apparent damages visible. One cover has both wings extensively restored and probably partly made up. There is also some retouched and flaking of hte pink enamel and flaking of hte white enamel on the birds eyebrows. The other cover is in similar condition but with some flaking of the pink enamel on the body. Please note both covers are somewhat ill-fitting.
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.

For a similar pair of boxes and covers in this form, see Cohen and Motley, 2008, p. 272, no. 19.4, where the authors state that forms of this type were not meant for food or sauces due to their small size, but rather were used as trinket boxes. A similar box and cover sold at Christie's, London, April 28, 1999, lot 195.