Lot 162
  • 162

A pair of Chinese Export Nodding Head painted plaster figures, probably Canton, Qing Dynasty, mid-18th century

Estimate
25,000 - 40,000 GBP
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Description

  • plaster
  • 34cm. high; 1ft. 1¼in.
the finely modelled man and woman dressed in exotic robes and each holding a gilt-metal vase

Condition

Generally in good restored condition with typical minor repairs, chips and losses consistent with medium and age of object. Please contact the department for conservators report.
"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."

Catalogue Note

RELATED LITERATURE
David S. Howard, A Tale of Three Cities: Canton, Shanghai & Hong Kong, Three Centuries of Sino-British Trade in the Decorative Arts, London, 1997, p. 146, fig. 188;
Carl Crossman, Decorative Arts of the China Trade, 1998, p. 317, pl. 112.

The largest known collection of figures of this type is in Sweden at the Drottningholm Palace. In 1777 over a hundred were recorded, described as `China dolls', and were collected to provide an authentic view of Chinese life, with many representing artisans in various occupations. A number of similar but larger figures which were collected by the Prince Regent for the Brighton Pavilion and are recorded in early engraved views of its interiors (Crossman, op. cit., p.318).

For two closely related pairs, most likely from the same workshop, see those illustrated Howard, op. cit., p. 146 and also those sold Sotheby's London, Arts of Europe, 4 December 2012, lot 454 (£52,850).