Figurines

  • Set of Three Chinese Figures, Laughing Boys, Hand Painted Porcelain circa 1800

    Set of Three Chinese Figures, Laughing Boys, Hand Painted Porcelain circa 1800

    $1,600.00

    Our friend and client Mario Buatta, the renowned interior designer, owned a dozen Chinese Laughing Boys in his private collection—figures he loved for their charm, personality, and symbolism. We had the privilege of acquiring and selling them several years ago (see last image). These three antique Chinese figures would have fit in perfectly beside Mario’s set. At one glance, you can see the unique personality of each boy—each one joyful and distinct.
    This charming set of three antique Chinese export porcelain figures, known as Laughing Boys or “HoHo boys”, was hand-painted in vibrant enamels around 1800.
    The seated figures wear brightly colored floral jackets in yellow, turquoise, and green.
    The robes are richly hand-painted with flowers, contrasting beautifully with reddish-brown bases that evoke stylized rockwork or drapery.
    Their faces are delicately painted, capturing a sense of animated cheer.
    The Laughing Boys are traditionally seen as emblems of happiness, harmony, and prosperity.
    Their joyful expressions and childlike appearance make them enduring symbols of good fortune.
    In Chinese tradition, these figures often represent the wish for a large, successful family.
    Popular among both Chinese patrons and Western collectors, figures like these were part of the flourishing export porcelain trade during the Qing Dynasty.
    Dimensions: height ranging from 6″ to 7″ tall x 4″ across x 2.25″ deep
    Condition: Excellent
    Price: $1,600
    Key Features:
    • From a tradition admired by interior designer Mario Buatta
    • Set of three antique Chinese export porcelain figures
    • Hand-painted in vivid enamel colors with floral robes
    • Known as “HoHo Boys” or Laughing Boys
    • Symbols of happiness, harmony, and prosperity
    • Associated with the wish for family success
    • Finely modeled Chinese figures from the Qing Dynasty
    • Made circa 1800 for the export market

    Dimensions: height ranging from 6″ to 7″ tall x 4″ across x 2.25″ deep

    Condition: Excellent

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  • 18th Century French Creamware Figure by Cyfflé at Saint Clément, Circa 1770

    18th Century French Creamware Figure by Cyfflé at Saint Clément, Circa 1770

    $1,200.00

    Queen Marie-Antoinette appointed Saint-Clément as a Royal Supplier for her Petit Trianon at Versailles.
    Here is an 18th-century Saint-Clément hand-painted creamware figure of a young man.
    Modeled by Paul Louis Cyfflé at Saint- Clément in France circa 1775, the figure exhibits outstanding detail,
    such as the young man’s beautiful face, lifelike clothes, and posture.
    He carries a little lamb and a pair of birds to market.
    The sculpting of the clothes is so lifelike that we can almost feel the fabrics draping on his body.
    Complementing the excellent modeling, the hand-painted colors are exquisite!
    This young man is part of Cyfflé’s first series of figures in which he presented statuettes of tradesmen.

    Dimensions: 8.5″ height x 4.25″ wide x 3.5″ deep

    Condition: Excellent

    Provenance: From the collection of William and Marilyn (Milton) Simpson: Marilyn Simpson was a grandchild of John D. Rockefeller Jr.
    The paper label on the underside of the figure states: “Saint Clément by-Cyffle c.1775 Parke-Bernet March 1957.”

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  • Two Pairs of Antique Le Nove Porcelain Statues Provenace The Metropolitan Museum

    Two Pairs of Antique Le Nove Porcelain Statues Provenace The Metropolitan Museum

    $1,400.00

    The Metropolitan Museum  has this same pair of figures in its collection, “Accession # 06.381 Credit line R. Fund”
    This exceptional pair of 18th-century Italian porcelain courting couples was made by the renowned Le Nove Manufactory, 1781-1785.
    The figures embody the grace and romanticism of late 18th-century European art.
    The figures are crafted from the distinctive grey-tinted porcelain for which Le Nove became famous.
    This porcelain was a hallmark of their production from the mid-18th century through the very early 19th century (the factory operated in Basano from 1765 to 1810).
    Similar pieces by Le Nove are in prestigious collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (Accession Number: 06.381).
    Description of the Figures:
    Each group depicts a tender courting scene.
    In both compositions, the man extends an arm toward the woman, whose gaze conveys love and admiration. He smiles warmly in return.
    The figures are richly detailed, showcasing the virtuoso modeling and animated drapery that are hallmarks of Le Nove’s work.
    The glossy finish elevates the exquisite craftsmanship, giving the figures a radiant appearance.
    Dimensions: 6.75 inches tall x 3.5 inches wide x 3.25 inches deep (each figure).
    Condition: Excellent, with no visible flaws or repairs.

     

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