A 'BLANC-DE-CHINE' GROUP OF MAIDENS ON A LOG RAFT LATE QING DYNASTY

with four beautifully modelled ladies on an elongated section of a gnarled log, tapering at the stern and rising up towards shooting leaves, one lady at the prow leaning out to trail her ribbons and hand in the high waves, another kneeling before a stand bearing teapot, vase and finger citron, a third standing beside a platter of twisted bread rolls holding a lobed box and the fourth maiden with a hooded winter coat holding up a pipa lute, wood stand

Collection of M. Santarelli, Buenos Aires, Argentina (according to label).

Apart from one of the tuners of the lute now lacking, the group is in very good condition overall.
"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."

A slightly more elaborate group with female orchestra, bearing the Xu Yunlin sealmark of Xu Youyi (1887-1940), was exhibited China Institute, Blanc de Chine. Divine Images in Porcelain, New York, 2002, cat.no. 77, where John Ayers identifies the maidens as companions of Xiwangmu, the Queen Mother of the West. A less elaborate and smaller raft group is illustrated R. Blumenfield, Blanc de Chine. The Great Porcelain of Dehua, Berkeley, 2002, p. 97, pl. C.