A RARE GROUP OF FOUR CHINESE EXPORT EROTIC SUBJECT SNUFF BOX COVERS CIRCA 1745

each painted in grisaille with a different subject, the reverse with an inverted scene of birds in landscape.

Gordon, 1977, p. 106, nos. 91-94;
Hervouët and Bruneau, 1986, p. 172, nos. 7.89-7.92

Plaque with fishing rods: There is a less than 1/8 inch chip to one corner and a similar size shallow chip on the bird side along one long side. Plaque with two couples: There is a piece broken from one corner and restuck visible on hte bottom left of hte photo. Plaque with washerwoman: please note that this is a brownish color grisaille unlike the other three which are grey in color (visible from illustration). Good condition. Plaque with couple on sofa: Good condition.
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.

Panels of this type would usually be mounted in the cover of a box, with the 'erotic' scenes on the interior, however the panels have all bowed slightly in the firing, making mounting this way around impossible - perhaps the reason for their extremely rare survival as a group unmounted.