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A Pair of Pewter Candlestick Figures of Foreigners Qing Dynasty, Mid-19th century
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
each in the form of a European gentleman, wearing a double-breasted waistcoat, breeches, overcoat and solar topee hat, holding a gu-form vase containing a peach bough, the base with maker's mark reading Chaocheng Xiao Yisheng diantong (Capital city, Xiao Yisheng pewter); together with a pair of bronze candlesticks, each in the form of Liu Hai standing on one leg on the back of a three-legged toad, with later cup and drip-pan (4)
Provenance
Foreigners:
Sotheby's New York, March 19, 1997, lot 338.
Sotheby's New York, March 19, 1997, lot 338.
Condition
European Figures - The left hand figure in the catalogue illustration has probably been restored through the ankles. If so, it has been well done. One handle on the vase is missing. The right hand figure has possibly been reaffixed to the base and the neck has been restored.
Liu Hai Figures - The boys are stamped 'Made in China'. One is loose where Liu Hai's foot is affixed to the toad base. The other is in good condition.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
Several similar pewter candlestick figures of Foreigners are illustrated in David S. Howard, A Tale of Three Cities. Canton, Shanghai and Canton, London, 1997, pp. 196-199, nos. 259-265, and are ascribed dates between 1800 and 1860. The distinctive 'Solar Topee' hat worn by the present figures did not become fashionable until the middle of the 19th century.