A GILT-BRONZE GROUP OF ‘TWO LOVERS’ 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

modelled as a loving couple, with the scholar in loose-fitting clothes kneeling before a young woman holding a flywhisk, his right arm entwined with her left as she touches her chin in a mannered gesture, the maiden crowned with a high chignon, wearing light flowing robes and embellished with necklace and bracelet, all rivetted to a separate but original base cast as formalised rockwork

There is a small old repair patch to the cast on the top of the man's raised knee and another at the bottom of his robe on the back, but overall the group is in good condition. The actual patina is a little bit darker than in the catalogue illustration.
"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."

While the use of this bronze figural group is not certain; perhaps it served as a small paperweight for the scholar’s desk, or intended to function primarily as a sculpture, it is finely cast with the two figures depicted in a particularly intimate and engaging moment. The young maiden and the scholar may be the two main characters, Zhang Junrui and Cui Yingying, from the popular Yuan dynasty play Xixiang ji [Romance of the Western Chamber].

While nothing similar appears to be recorded, this group figure may be comparable to two charming pieces described as brushrests or paperweights, in the form of a reclining figure, illustrated in The Second Bronze Age. Later Chinese Metalwork, Sydney L. Moss Ltd., London, 1991, pls. 30 and 31, both described as pieces that demonstrate the functional versatility of many of the objects made for the scholar’s desk.