A Pair of Chinese Export Famille Rose Court Lady Candleholders. Circa 1760

each standing and dressed in flowing robes decorated with various floral patterns, the shoulder covered with a green floral-medallion cape, the finely modeled hands holding lotus-form candleholders below the shoulder, the hair pulled up in a double-plait topknot. Minor repainting.. height 11 1/4 in./28.6 cm - Estimate 20,000—30,000 USD

PROVENANCE: Sold, Christie's New York, October 20, 2006, lot 367.

CATALOGUE NOTE: Famille-rose figures of ladies appear to have been tremendously popular in Europe in the 18th century, and were created for export throughout the Qianlong period. Compare a larger pair sold in these rooms, March 20, 2007, lot 806. Similar examples also include one from the Mottahedeh Collection, illustrated in David Howard and John Ayers, China for the West, Vol. II, London, 1978, no. 644, p. 615; and another illustrated in Dr. George C. Williamson, The Book of Famille-Rose, London, 1970, pl. LIX.

Sotheby's. Important Americana. 23 Jan 09. New York. photo courtesy Sotheby's. www.sothebys.com