A COLLECTION OF DUTCH DELFT MODELS OF FRUIT, MID-18TH CENTURY |

naturalistically coloured and modelled in an array of fruits including an apple, a plum and a bunch of grapes with leafy back supports, a free standing apple and a pear, a box and cover in the form of a bunch of grapes, O / A mark in blue, and a leaf-shaped stand, VH over 3 mark in blue for De Drie Vergulde Astonnekens factory,

In overall good appearance with some minor repairs. The pear model with loss to glaze at top edge and probably lacking its stalk. The apple with a leafy support, a small area of blue support at base restored. The grapes with leafy support, the edge of the leafy base with restoration, some of the grapes with touched up chips. Otherwise some minor typical glaze flakes.
"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."

It seems probable that the present models were intended as table decorations, though other examples with hollow bases suggest they also could have been mountable. Models of this type displayed as a vertical garland are in the collection of the Musées Royaux d'Art et d'Histoire, published by C. H. de Jonge, Delft Ceramics, London, 1970, p. 142, ill. 149. Further models of this type were sold in these rooms, 29th April 2014, lot 75.