An extremely rare Vincennes white glazed figure of a young bagpiper circa 1748-52

le jouer de musette, the elaborately dressed boy stands with a basket overflowing with flowers and vegetables at his feet, head repaired

Purchased from H.E. Backer Antiques, 4th July 1946 for £40.

This figure has been detached and restored back in place with an associated shallow chip at the back of the neck approximately 5mm wide. There is a minute chip and short crack to one of the curls at the side of his head. The ribbon which tied the top of his bagpipe bag is largely lacking. His left hand has two fingers lacking, his right hand has one finger lacking and another finger partially lacking. The front right-hand corner of his jacket has the corner lacking, approximately 6mm x 6mm, and the side flap of the jacket panel nearby has a small chip to the corner. There is a chip or possibly a firing flaw to the jacket in the area of his right shoulder approximately 3mm long. There is a very small chip to the footrim to the rear of the model, a shallow chip to the footrim 5mm wide just behind the tree stump to the left of the figure, a small chip to the front right, also 5mm wide, and in the front by his shoes, a deep chip approximately 6mm wide and deep. There is a small triangular loss to the corner of the right cuff of the boy's sleeve, approximately 6mm across. there is a long shallow loss to the rim of the tree trunk adjacent to the boy's left cuff, approx. 2cm long and some associated fine cracks. Typical losses to leaves and flowers. Some firing cracks.
"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."

This figure is one of the first series of 'Enfants Boucher' modelled after drawings by François Boucher in1748. It is known in glazed and biscuit versions and was re-worked and given its final form by the sculptor Pierre Blondeau in 1752.  For the same model with blue details formerly in the Comte de Chavagnac collection, see Tamara Préaud, La Porcelaine de Vincennes, 1991, pp. 172-3 no. 175.  This was sold by Artcurial, Paris, 20th June 2006, lot 21.  For another white version see Hotel Drouot sale catalogue, Collection de M. le Comte X. de Chavagnac, 19th-21st June 1911, lot 217.   An example of the later biscuit version was sold in these rooms 3rd June, 1969, lot 112.