A group of Chinese Export 'Children Feeding Chickens' Teawares Circa 1800

comprising: seven small saucers, three large saucers, eight teabowls, five breakfast teabowls, and one small plate, all painted in sepia and gilding, and initialled HJ. 24 pieces.

Gordon, 1977, p. 78, pl. 64

All the pieces have some slight rubbing to the monogram and rim. Plate: There is a 3 inch section of the rim that is restored. Small saucers: 1. in good condition. 2. in good condition 3. in good condition 4. in good condition 5. in good condition 6. There is a 2 ½ by 1 inch c shaped piece broken from the rim and restored. 7. in good condition large saucers: 1. in good condition 2. Broken into two large pieces and several small pieces during the exhibition. 3. Monogram heavily rubbed, and there are three 1 inch haircracks to the rim. Big teabowls: 1. in good condition 2. in good condition 3. There are two 2 inch haircrack running down from the rim. 4. There is a fine 1 ½ inch crack running from the rim. 5. There is a 1 ½ inch crack running from the rim. Small teabowls: 1. in good condition 2. in good condition 3. There is a 1 inch starcrack across the base. 4. in good condition 5. There is a 1 ½ inch crack coming down from the rim. 6. in good condition 7. There is a 1 ½ inch crack coming down from the rim and some stress cracks in the glaze in the base of the interior. 8. In 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.

The scene on this lot is derived from a print by J. W. Tomkins after a pastel by John Russell. For an illustration of the print and a discussion of its use by the Philadelphia artist Samuel Folwell, see 'Collector's Notes', The Magazine Antiques, April 1999, p. 502.