Attributed to Giovanni Bonazza (1654-1736), Italian, Veneto, circa 1700

inscribed: 1943/86.2.80 and 1943/85.2.81 in black ink to the reverse

Overall the condition of the marbles is good. There is wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age including some particular dirt in the crevices. There are minor naturally occurring veins and a few inclusions. There are several chips and nicks particularly to the edges of the drapery, base and toes, with some larger losses to the edge of the hat of the female figure. The tassel on the proper left side of the pillow of the male figure is a painted replacement.
"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."

These two comical chinoiserie figures appear to be additions to Bonazza's pair of grotesque Chinamen in the library of the University of Padua. All four marbles represent Western interpretations of Chinese mythological figures, including such characters as the beggar god Chi Kung. Each figure is characterised by its dwarf-like proportions, corpulent frame clothed in heavy drapery and its broad grin. Variations in the bases and the seating position suggest that the two pairs were not intended as a set of four.
The fascination for all things Chinese spread throughout Europe around 1700 and similar pagoda figures can be found in Meissen and Chantilly porcelain. Their execution in marble, however, seems to have been solely attempted by Bonazza, who also produced similar representations of Indians for his patrons around Padua.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. N. Cellini, La scultura del settecento, Turin, 1982, p. 174; C. Semenzato, La scultura Veneta del seicento e del settecento, Venice, 1966, p. 120, no. 148; Associazione Italia-Cina and G. Magnoni, La moda cinese e le "cineserie" in Europa nei secoli XVII e XVIII, available: http://www.italiacina.org/cultura/arte_cineu4.htm, Last accessed 26 October 2010