A PAIR OF CHINESE EXPORT PAINTED CLAY 'NODDING HEAD' FIGURES, QING DYNASTY, EARLY 19TH CENTURY |

each with a staff and wearing brightly decorated robes, the heads detachable, one stand later

Mary, Marchioness of Downshire, Baroness Sandys (1764-1836) for the Chinese Room (also called the State Sitting Room) at Ombersley Court. The use of the word State, in later 19th century inventories, to describe this extraordinary room is very telling, for here was a room conceived to impress Royalty, a theatrical and splendid space inspired by George IV's chinoiserie Pavilion in Brighton. The Marchioness was part of the King's intimate circle and would have known his Brighton residence. As Prince of Wales he was to visit Ombersley in the September of 1807.

George IV, when Prince of Wales, acquired at least eight of these figures (RCIN 26082-26088) which were displayed in the Gallery at The Pavilion. They possibly originate from South China, within reach of the port of Guangzhou, one of the great centres for material exported to Europe. The Royal collection group relates very closely to the offered lot, in that they are extremely lifelike, have similar painted decoration, each has a prop - in this case a staff - and they feature 'marbled' stands. There is in extant bill in the Royal Archives from John Crace dated 1803 which includes; ‘Three Mandarine figures [£]9.9.0’ (Royal Archives GEO/MAIN/26353) these could be amongst the nodding head models ordered by the Prince of Wales for the Gallery. Crace may well have supplied the present figures to Marchioness.

Anon, Ombersley Court Contents Inventory, circa 1825-36, p.16, probably 'Chinese Room / A pair of Indian [sic] figures glass shades';
M. H. Blutley, Ombersley Court, Inventories of Heirlooms, 1863, p.114; 'State Sitting Room / Two Chinese figures under glass shade'

The fact that these figures originally had glass shades may explain the fact they are in a fine state of preservation.

These are of superb quality. Each was originally under a glass dome, these have been lacking for many years but the colours are good. There is some restoration, wear and both are in country house condition (e.g. fractures to fingers and isolated areas of redecoration see below) nonetheless they are superb examples despite these typical isolated condition and restoration issues. One with a later stand with a label typed by the late Lord Sandys with the following: 'This Chinese figure (the female figure) was fully restored by Mr E. Wakefield in 1978. It must have been in this State for very many years certainly before 1948, fracture to neck, headdress, both hands and right arm. All re-foxed.' We believe that the restoration Lord Sandys refers to the male figure.
"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."