A Chinese Export Milk Jug and a Cover and a Coffee Cup Circa 1805

the milk jug and coffee cup painted with a panel enclosing a European woman and two children. Together with a coffee cup painted in grisaille and gilding with a double profile of a lady and a bespectacled matron, circa 1790. 4 pieces.

milk jug: there is minor restoration around the rim edge and the gilding around the central panel is almost entirely rubbed away. The cover does not match and is restored around the rim. Coffee cup with family: Handle has been restored back on and the gilding is rubbed. Double portrait coffee cup: there is a two inch crack running down the rim and there is haircrack around the base of the handle.
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.

Howard and Ayers, 1978, p. 292, no. 289, illustrate a milk jug almost identical to the present lot. The authors speculate that the group shown is the Bonaparte family - the Empress Josephine and her children Eugene and Hortense.
The double portrait design can be found on English ceramics and was given titles such as 'Grandma/Miss' or 'Before and After Marriage'.