Portuguese market armorial tray, circa 1740

Brightly enamelled in the center with scrollwork lambrequins enclosing the arms of Ribeiro, Figueiredo e Sousa under a green bishop's hat and suspending five tassels on each side, the silver form, barbed and lobed rim further enamelled with strapwork and leafy scrollwork incorporating shells - 13 in. (33 cm.) wide - Estimate: $10,000-15,000

Note: From one of three elaborate and richly enamelled services or sets made for Dom José Ribeiro da Fonseca Figueiredo e Sousa (1690-1752), who, as Dom Frei José Maria da Fonseca e Evora, served as Bishop of Oporto, ambassador to the Roman Curia, and counselor to Emperor Charles VI. For illustrations of each service see N. de Castro, Chinese Porcelain and the Heraldry of the Empire, pp. 87-89. Compare also with a large stand, very similar but with molded well in the center, sold Sotheby's London, 7 November 2007, lot 340.

Christie's. Chinese Export Art. 23 January 2008, 10:00 am. 20 Rockefeller Plaza, New York