A PAIR OF RÉGENCE GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED BLANC-DE-CHINE PORCELAIN FIGURES CANDELABRA |

with two arms of lights

Collection of Baron James de Rothschild, sold at the Palais Galliera, Paris, 1 December 1966, lot 173
Galerie Kugel, Paris
European Distinguished Private Collection

This attractive pair is in overall reasonable condition, commensurate with its age. The mounts retain their original gilding and displaying wear and rubbing as per expected. Some minor staining underneath the drip pans. Figures: Left hand example: Has a faint hairline crack to the reverse of the figure running approximately the length of her robe. Some minor chipping to the tips of her fingers, with traces of old overpainting to the underside. Right hand example: Cracks through her neck with old overpainting and overpainting on the bun on her head, possibly disguising some loss. Some chipping to the tips of her thumb and fingers with traces of old overpainting.
"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."

A blanc-de-chine porcelain figure, illustrated in Izarn, P. Les porcelaines montées au XVIIIeme siècle, Paris, 2015, pp.24-25, cat. no. 11, feature similar gilt-bronze nozzles and drip panels. Similarly, a pair of gilt-bronze mounted figures as a three-light candelabra is illustrated in Kjellberg, P. Objets Montés du Moyen Age à nos Jours, Paris, 2000, p.92. Furthermore, a pair of figures with similar hairstyles and clothes, dated between the late 17th century and early 18th century, is illustrated in Blumenfield, Robert H. Blanc de Chine: the great porcelain of Dehua, Berkeley, 2002, p.82., fig.c.

Baron James de Rothschild (1878-1957)

James Armand Edmond de Rothschild was the grandson of James Rothschild (1792-1868) also known as the founder of the French branch of the Rothschild banking dynasty. He and his wife Dorothy Pinto divided their time between a house in Park Street, London, and an apartment on the Champs Elysées in Paris. In 1922, he inherited Waddesdon Manor, which he later bequeathed, with its contents, to the National Trust. In England, James became involved with the political and social life of the area: he sat in the House of Commons until 1945, became Deputy Lieutenant for the City of London, but also made frequent appearances in the society pages of the newspapers.