Lot 1185
  • 1185

An enameled gold and baroque pearl jolly cook musician figurine, probably German, late 19th century

Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 USD
bidding is closed

Description

  • signed underneath the base rim J.G script initials
  • gold, enamel, pearl
  • height 4 1/4 in.
  • 10.8 cm
with happy ruddy face, dancing on one leg and playing a gold grid-iron with gold and pearl stick, the body and legs formed of one baroque pearl, with striped champlevé enamel collar, sleeves, leggings and pearl-capped green enameled cockaded hat, wearing a diamond pendant and mounted on a lapis lazuli panel above an ogee base, the front enameled with sepia putti dancing before a herm, the sides and back with swags and crossed cornucopiae, the base rim set with rose diamonds, with a fitted leather display case

Condition

minor enamel chips throughout- to hands, rim of hat and small area of enamel missing from right side of base, the baroque pearl also has a slight crack at the shoulders; his foot now mounted underneath with a modern screw.
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

Reminiscent of the well-known jolly cook fiddler in the Green Vaults, inventory no. VI 88, described and illustrated in Dirk Syndram, Gems of the Green Vault in Dresden, p. 132.  The latter, modeled probably after grotesques by Stefano della Bella, was likely made by the Huguenot Berlin goldsmith Jean Louis Girardet, whose works were marketed by the dealer Ferbecq of Frankfurt, op.cit.p.133.