A rare Meissen figure of Harlequin with a snuffbox, modelled by J.J. Kändler, circa 1738-1740

in dancing pose with one arm raised, and tongue grotesquely lolling, taking a pinch of snuff from the box at his waist, one half of his jacket blue, the other half with yellow, red and black lozenges, wearing yellow and black breeches on a mound base applied with leaves (some restoration and losses)

Christie's London, 3 June 1996, lot 403

broken and restuck at the thigh, hands restored, losses to flowers and leaves
"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."

This model is missing the glasses that he should hold above his head, as it is recorded in Kändler's taxa: "1.Arlequin, so statt des HosenKnoppffs eine Tabatiere hat, und Schnupff Tabacc herausnimmt, in der linken Hand eine Brille hat" (1 Harlequin with a snuff box - from which he is taking a sniff - instead of a trouser button, a pair of spectacles in his left hand). All these attributes are indeed essential and reveal, according to Angela Gräfin von Wallwitz, "the true meaning of this character: the mockery of assumed education (spectacles), refined lifestyle (snuffbox) and blatant poverty", see A. Gräfin von Wallwitz, Celebrating Kaendler, 1706-1775, 2006, p. 77, cat. 11. For a similar model, see R. Jansen, op. cit., fig. 81.