Two Chinese Export teabowls, a saucer, and a coffee cup Circa 1745

the saucer and teabowl painted in famille-rose, gilding, and iron-red with an unidentified mytholocial scene; the other teabowl painted with two men, one possibly Julius Caesar, hiding beneath a curtain; and the coffee cup decorated with a Roman emperor gesturing to a woman

Gordon, 1977, p. 64, pl. 49 (the coffee cup)

The coffee cup has two 1 1/2 inch cracks running down from the rim. These do not run through the front panel. The teabowl has been broken into two pieces and restored back together. There is a restored area of loss on the rim at the top of one end of the break. Teabowl and saucer - teabowl has had a 1 1/2 inch by 1 inch section broken from the rim and restored back in. The interior is oversprayed and has gone yellow. There is some flaking to the blue enamel. The saucer has a C shaped 1 1/2 inch by 1 inch section broken from the rim in two pieces and restuck and a quarter inch shallow chip under the rim.
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.

In her book, Elinor Gordon states that the subject on the coffee cup is that of Julius Caesar reaching out his hand to Cleopatra before a triumphal arch.