A Chinese Export polychrome decorated clay nodding figure, early 19th century
Lot Closed
November 13, 01:11 PM GMT
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
A Chinese Export polychrome decorated clay nodding figure, early 19th century
naturalistically modelled with applied horsehair, on painted pine base, restorations
43cm. high; 1ft. 5in.
George IV, when Prince of Wales, acquired at least eight of these figures (RCIN 26082-26088) which were displayed in the Gallery at The Pavilion. They possibly originate from South China, within reach of the port of Guangzhou, one of the great centres for material exported to Europe. The Royal collection group relates very closely to the offered lot, in that they are extremely lifelike, have similar painted decoration and they feature 'marbled' stands. There is in extant bill in the Royal Archives from John Crace dated 1803 which includes; ‘Three Mandarine figures [£]9.9.0’ (Royal Archives GEO/MAIN/26353) these could be amongst the nodding head models ordered by the Prince of Wales for the Gallery.