A large and rare English delftware blue and white blue-dash Royal portrait charger, probably London, circa 1685

painted in the centre with an equestrian portrait of Charles II , crowned and wearing an ermine-lined cloak, astride his rearing steed beneath the initials CR, flanked by sponged trees, the reverse with a lead glaze, restored break

With Louis Gautier, with his paper label

The charger has an area of restoration located to the right side at the rim. This area comprises three triangular shaped sections which have broken away from the body and have been re-stuck. The largest section, which begins at two o'clock on the clock face, extends approximately 22cm around the rim, finishing at about four o'clock. This section extends approximately 10.5cm into the body of the charger. A smaller section beneath it which begins at four o'clock extends approximately 12.5cm around the rim finishing at five o'clock and extends 9.5cm into the body of the charger. The third section which begins at five o'clock extends 12cm around the rim and finishes at 6 o'clock on the clock face and extends 6cm into the body of the charger. Along the break lines there has been some associated over-painting which has now discoloured, there has also been some blue over-painting which includes the bottom area of the horse's front right leg. To the underside of the rim there are two flat chips, the larger measures 3cm wide, there is also a faint hairline crack which measures approximately 3.5cm long.
"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."

The source for this equestrian portrait is an engraving by Cornelius van Dalen of Charles I entering Edinburgh in 1641, which appeared as the frontispiece to J.Nalson's Journal of the Tryal of Charles I, published in 1684. In this engraving the monarch is depicted with a moustache and Van Dyke beard. However, the royal portraits derived from the engraving that appear on delftware chargers made in the ten-year period following its publication vary, depending on which monarch was on the throne, Charles II ( 1630-85), James II ( 1633-1701) or William III ( 1650-1702). Charles I had a moustache whereas clean-shaven examples are thought to be either James II or William III.  Another blue dash charger depicting an equestrian portrait of Charles II is illustrated by M.Archer, Delftware in the Fitzwilliam Museum, (2013) p.5,no.A.2.