A PAIR OF 'FAMILLE-ROSE' DISHES QING DYNASTY, JIAQING PERIOD

one painted with a lady and official seated at a table in a walled garden, the other with an official seated in front of a screen conversing with two ladies in a fenced garden, each below of a border of butterflies and flowers on the sloping barbed rim, the reverse in turquoise enamel with a Jiang Zhenglong seal mark

Collection of John Reeves, FRS (1774-1856).

One dish is in fair condition with the exception of three thin areas of restoration to the rim (approx. 2cm, 2cm, 1cm), a triangular 5mm flake to the glaze of the blue robe of the figure on the right, a 0.7cm vertical crack to the glaze in the centre of the interior; the other dish is in very good condition with six small spots of rubbing to the glaze of the interior. Both dishes have overall very light scratches to the surface and tiny firing imperfections and light rubbing to the gilt borders.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

John Reeves was born in West Ham, Essex. He joined the East India Company and went to China in 1812 as an assistant and subsequently chief inspector of tea in Canton. Instructed by Sir Joseph Banks, he shipped many plants back to the Horticultural Society.