A pair of famille verte and biscuit figural candle holders, China, Kangxi Period. Photo courtesy Luis Alegria

Height 28.7 cm

Each modelled in the form of a laughing boy standing on a rockwork base, holding a cup in one hand, wearing yellow floral jackets decorated with large prunus blossom medallions in Iron-red, over turquoise pantaloons and black boots, their black hair drawn up into tightly coiled top knots. None of the known pairs are modeled in mirror image. It is not clear who these boys are supposed to represent or for whom they were made. R.L. Hobson believed that the pair in the Gow Collection were made to order for a European merchant.

Others have speculated that the aubergine complexion of the figures indicate they are Mongolian servants.

Despite the mystery about these figures, there are charming models and rare collection pieces.

Provenance: Abigail Aldrich Rockefeller

Luis Alegria (stand 167) at TEFAF 2014. 14-23 march 2014 - http://www.tefaf.com/