A PAIR OF LIME-GREEN GROUND FAMILLE-ROSE TEA TRAYS SEAL MARKS AND PERIOD OF JIAQING

each with shallow lobed sides of quatrefoil section, resting on four small incurved feet, finely decorated in bright multi-coloured enamels on a lime-green ground, the interior with a floral medallion centred with a wan symbol, surrounded by four lotus blossoms wreathed in feathery scrolls interlocked by ruyi heads, the interior and exterior walls similarly decorated with scrolling flower sprays, the base bordered with gilt and enamelled in lime-green, save for a six-character seal mark inscribed in iron-red within a square panel reserved in white

 

Apart from a minute chip on one foot to one and slight rubbing to the gilding on the rims, the two trays are in overall very good condition with well preserved enamel.
"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."

Another similar pair from the collection of Dr. Ip Yee was included in the exhibition Ch'ing Polychrome Porcelain, Fung Ping Shan Museum, Hong Kong, 1977, cat. no. 101, and sold in these rooms, 24th May 1985, lot 412. Compare also a related pair from the Qianlong reign, sold in our London rooms, 20th june 2001, lot 41. Jiaqing lime-ground famille-rose trays of this shape can also be found inscribed in inro red in the centre with a poem in praise of good tea and dated to the dingsiyear of the reign, corresponding to 1797. See, for example, a pair sold in these rooms, 23 October 2005, lot 544, and a single tray sold in our London rooms, 15th May 2013, lot 319.