four with doves enameled to the reverse, stoppers (10)

Florida Private Collection.

Each bottle is in overall good condition, with minor firing imperfections and minor wear to the enamels, as well as scattered minor flake losses and abrasions to the foot rings. One bottle with a small flake chip to the mouth, another with a possible small paint touch up to the enameled foliage. Two bottles with staining and residue to the foot from possible old mounting to a stand.
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.

The subject is one of the most popular in the Daoguang period, where it also appears on porcelain bottles in famille-rose enamels. It is recorded that the Daoguang emperor was a breeder of pigeons and that his favored concubine was fond of small dogs.