Bidspirit auction | Chinese Export Famille Rose Ear-Cleaning

Chinese Export Famille Rose Ear-Cleaning Group - Chinese export porcelain ear cleaning figural group, Qianlong ca. last quarter 18th century. Depicting two figures decorated in vibrant famille rose. The smiling man seated on a rock with legs crossed tilting his head to the side while his female companion stands above him inspecting his ear. Provenance: Sotheby's, London, ”Chinese Export Porcelain and Works of Art, ” 10 May 1994, Lot 211; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff. Reference: Howard, ”Choice of the Private Trader, ” pg. 257, no. 306 This figure belongs to a series of 'erotic' figures which depict men engaged in intimate everyday activities with younger woman, such as ear-cleaning and wine drinking. The implications of what will follow this moment suggested by the man's extended hand and the woman's exposed leg. Height: 7 1/2 in x width: 4 1/4 in x depth: 2 3/4 in. Condition: Repairs, visible under UV light, to the following areas: the braid and boots of the seated figure; to the standing figure, the top of the bun and the hairpiece, the left ear, the extended hand (it appears to have been reattached), an area extending downwards from the neck to the chest, and the entirety of the neck (it appears to have been reattached). Light wear to the underside.