Two pairs of gilt-bronze-mounted Meissen porcelain `Bouquetière' figural candelabra, the porcelain circa 1743-1745, the gilt-bronze in Louis XVI style, late 19th century

modelled by J.J. Käendler, as a gallant and companion, each seated holding a large pierced basket on their lap, both on small rockwork bases with applied flowers and three leaf-cast scrolled candlebranches, on rectangular fluted leaf-cast base, the female wearing a blue bodice, the gallant a red jacket, the other pair with costumes painted with sprays of flowers, on square bases cast with acanthus and fluting

In overall good conserved condition. Tip of gilt-bronze leaf at rear of central candlebranch (on the one with the figure in a flowered top) broken off but this is not too noticeable. The porcelain: The female figure with a blue bodice: The right hand and a section of the basket has been restored. The tip of her right shoe has been restored. There are some small scattered flakes to the blue enamel of her bodice. The male figure with a red jacket: The left arm has been restored. A section to the right of the basket has been restored. The male figure with a white jacket: Some leaves on the base have been restored The female figure with a white bodice: The right forearm has been restored and an associated area of the rim of the basket. There is restoration to some leaves and left shoe.
"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."

Kändler's Taxa or work record of 1743 includes: 1. Gärtner sizend, einen Bluhmen-Korb vor sich haltend, darein Bluhmen gesezet werden können, als Compagnon zur Gärtnerin [1 seated gardener, holding a flower basket in front of him in which flowers can be put, as companion to the female gardener]. Examples of these models also exist with fixed porcelain flowers.

A similar pair was sold by Lady Sarah Roubanis, Christie's, London, 5th December 1974, lot 22 and another pair was sold from the Hillingdon Collection, Christie's, London, 29th June 1972, lot 60.