FOUR ENAMELED PORCELAIN CRICKET FIGHTING WARES QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

comprising: a heavily potted jar and cover (douguan) used as an arena for cricket fighting, decorated with bamboo reeds, the base with a four-character mark in iron-red reading Delitang zhi; the second a matching plate (shuipai) used to record the basic information of the fighting cricket, such as the name, purchase date, place of origin, weight, winning history, etc., decorated to one side with a grid and the other with bamboo; the third a small water tray (shuiyu), decorated with bamboo and dragon, the back with a four-character mark in iron-red reading Debentang zhi; the fourth a fan-shaped cage and cover (guolong) used to be placed in the breeding jar, set to each end with a door-shaped opening that allows the insect access, decorated with flowers and butterflies on a stippled ground (6)

Jar and cover - good condition Water dish - broken in half and glued and with a small triangular piece also broken and out and glued back at the rim Plaque - very minor glaze chips / wear to three corners Cage and cover - very minor glaze wear to corners of cage
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.