Bidspirit auction | Pair Court Lady Candleholders

Pair Court Lady Candleholders - Pair of Chinese export porcelain candleholders in the form of court ladies, Qianlong ca. 1770-90. Each smiling figure standing in purple, black, and gilt robes tied by an iron-red sash. They stand on a rectangular base molded with a gilt chain. Heads possibly a later European addition. Provenance: Christie's, London, ”Fine Chinese Export Porcelain Enamels, Bronzes, Works of Art and Hardstones, ” 9 November 1983, Lot 809; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff. Reference: Howard & Ayers, ”China for the West, ” Vol. II, pg. 614, no. 645. Lot Essay: Other models noted as wearing crucifixes and possibly being produced with Christian uses intended. Though they more resemble Guanyin figures. It is possible that these figures bear later European modeled heads and, in the process of restoration, the crosses were lost. (Each) Height: 12 in x width: 3 1/2 in x depth: 3 1/2 in. Condition: To each of the figures, there are signs of repair to the necks and hands. The head/neck of one of the figure's is slightly loose and is not securely affixed to the figure's body. To one of the statues, there are several repaired breaks along the base. To the same staute, there are signs of repair along the figure's sleeves, specifically where the portion of the sleeves surrounding the figure's hands, and along the base of the vase in the figure's hands. To the other statue, there are signs of repair along the elbow of the figure's right sleeve and to a small area along the front of the base. There are scattered signs of restoration along the figure's robe, specifically along the verso. To one of the statues, there is a small loss along the collar of the figure's tunic. To the same figure, there are minute chips along the figure's hair and the back of the figure's collar. To the other figure, there are minute to small-sized chips along the figure's hair, back of the collar, and left ear. There are small, scattered losses to the glaze, and small areas of flaking, primarily corresponding to areas of repair. Fleabite to small-sized chips along the undersides of the bases.