A pair of carved and painted wood Chinoiserie figures Northern European, mid 18th century

each with nodding heads, wearing red and blue robes 

These figures appear in generally good condition. Both have losses to paint throughout and both have some overpainting. The male figure has losses to the ornament on his robe and to the lower robe beneath the main robe. There are age cracks to the figure. There are large chips to his hat and around his neck which will need restoration. The female figure has age cracks to the body of her robe with some commensurate losses to timber and minor paint losses throughout. They are a charming pair of figures.
"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."

A group of related Chinese Export figures in painted clay are in the collection of the Peabody Museum, Salem, Massachusetts and are illustrated in Carl Crossman, Decorative Arts of the China Trade, 1998, p.317, pl.112 . Other examples can be seen in Sweden in the chinoiserie interiors at the Drottningholm Palace and in 1777 over a hundred were recorded there called `China dolls' and were collected to provide an authentic view of Chinese life, with many representing artisans in various occupations. Although these examples are of Chinese origin, European examples were also made such as the present lot, following these examples, to furnish the fashionable chinoiserie interiors of the mid 18th century.