TWO RARE CHINESE EXPORT FIGURES OF EUROPEAN GENTLEMEN, QING DYNASTY, KANGXI PERIOD, 1700-15 |

each decorated in famille-verte enamels on biscuit and modeled standing on a flat base supported by rockwork, the tightly curled wigs falling down the shoulders and each holding a tricorn hat, one figure with a pale green coat painted with cloud scrolls and wearing a yellow waistband, and the other with an iron-red coat decorated with floral motifs

Espirito Santo Collection, Lisbon
Christie's Geneva, November 14, 1975, lots 100 (green coat) and 101 (red coat)

Michel Beurdeley, Porcelain of the East India Companies, London, 1962, pl. IV.

The figure in the green coat has restored breaks at the cuffs, proper right hand, hat, neck, and proper left shoulder, with associated over-painting. There are losses to 3 fingers on the proper left hand and to a piece of rockwork (all as illustrated). There are hairline cracks to the front and back of the torso, as well as scattered short firing lines. The figure in the red coat has restored breaks at the cuffs, hat, and a section of rockwork. Two fingers on the proper right hand are lost (as illustrated). There is minor expected surface wear.
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.

Modeled wearing high French fashion of the early 18th century, there appears to be a set of five figures of this type similarly modeled and decorated, a rare set of which are in the Musée National Adrien Dubouché at Limoges. Figures from this group have most commonly been identified loosely as Louis XIV and his family' or 'Grand Dauphin' without substantial evidence, and the attribution is discussed in detail by David Howard and John Ayers, China for the West, Vol. II, London, 1978, cat. no. 601. The present examples are most often referred to as 'the Dauphin'. Compare other examples with green coats illustrated in Walter Bondy, Kang-Hsi, Munich, 1923, cat. no. 174, and William R. Sargent, The Copeland Collection: Chinese and Japanese Ceramic Figures, Salem, MA, 1991, cat no. 49. Examples with the iron-red coat appear to be less common, one example, together with a figure of a European lady from the same set, was previously in the collection of The Hon. Mrs. Nellie Ionides, and in our London rooms on July, 2, 1963, lot 55, and last sold in these rooms on Octover 14, 1998, lot 112. Another example with crane and cloud scroll decoration on the coat and previously in the collection of John T. Dorrance, Jr., was sold most recently in these rooms on April 19, 2001, lot 152.