A pair of Meissen 'Bouquetière' figures, circa 1743-1745

modelled by J.J Kändler, each holding a large pierced basket on their lap, the woman with a black bonnet and an apron painted with indianische Blumen on a pale yellow ground, her companion wearing a green hat, puce breeches and yellow shoes, both on small rockwork bases with applied flowers, both with crossed swords marks in underglaze-blue to reverse, some restoration

C.Bednarczyk, Vienna

male figure: both basket handles have been restored, there is restoration at his left shoulder. female figure: both basket handles have been restored, there is restoration to both her shoes and her left hand
"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."

Kändler's Taxa record of 1743 includes: 1. Gärtner sizend, einen Bluhmen-Korb vor sich haltend, darein Bluhmen gesezet werden können, als Compagnon zur Gärtnerin [1 seated gardener, holding a flower basket infront of him in which flowers can be put, as companion to the female gardener]. Examples of these models also exist with fixed porcelain flowers.