A Meissen figure of Harlequin with a birdcage circa 1743

modelled by J.F.Eberlein, seated on a rocky mound holding aloft a bird in his right hand, a birdcage at his side,  wearing a black hat with a red rosette, a chequered jacket alternating with playing cards , white trousers and puce shoes with yellow bows (minor restoration, some chips).

Right hand broken through at wrist and restored.Tiny chip to ege of rosette on hat.Thumg and forefinger of left hand lacking.Chip to one petal of one red flower on base. Chip to one yelow flower and to one leaf.Fine firing/haircrack which runs across base, extending up the back of rock, running down the front of rock and finishing by the applied leaf on the front middle of base.
"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."

The model is referred to in Eberlein's work notes of August 1743 :"Einem Arlequin, so einem Vogel in der Hand, neben sich einen Vogelbauer und eine Katze su Fuessen hat" (a Harlequin, with a bird in his hand, a birdcage next to him, a cat close to his feet). This model appears indeed in three different versions: with a cat, birdcage and bird, with a bird and cat, with a bird and birdcage.