A PAIR OF CHELSEA PORCELAIN ASPARAGUS TUREENS AND COVERS CIRCA 1755

each naturalistically modelled as a bundle of asparagus spears tied at each end with brown raffia, the covers and one bowl with red anchor marks, the cover of one tureen with numeral 16, the other cover with numeral 73 and its base with numeral 72 in iron-red.

James A. Lewis & Son, Inc., New York
Property of the Estate of Bernice Chrysler Garbisch, sold, Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc., New York, May 17, 1980, lot 21
The Antique Porcelain Company, New York

Tureen with numeral 16: the base is in good condition. There is a fine Y-shaped haircrack that extends from a point near the center, towards the raffia tie at the tip of the bunch, across the spear knop (along the inner edge of the raffia) to a point on the raffia, where it forks in two directions, one ending just above the raffia knot, the other in the inner corner of the cover; and there are several small minor patches of discolored crazing. Tureen with numerals 72 and 73: The base is in good condition. The cover has a very minor 1/4-in. flat chip to the flange; otherwise in good condition Both tureens and covers have some very minor occasional spots of wear to the enamels of the raffia and the tips of the spears.
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.

Tureens of this form and their stands are listed in the 1756 Chelsea Sale Catalogue, First Day's Sale, March 29th, lot 15: "Two fine bundles of asparagus and plates"; see Appendix VIII of 18th Century English Porcelain by George Savage where the catalogue is reproduced.
A similar pair of tureens and covers were sold at Sotheby's in London, July 15, 2004, lot 132.