Back
Property from the Fred and Kay Krehbiel Collection, Part I
|
- Sale 1157
Live
| Chicago
Mar 15 | 11:00 AM EDT
Live
| Chicago
Sale 1157
| Chicago
| Chicago
Estimate$3,000 – $5,000
Provenance:
Dragesco-Cramoisan, Paris, February 1998 (as Mennecy)
Note:
The present pair of cut flower holders modeled as flower sellers were inspired by the hard-paste porcelain models by Johann Joachim Kändler of circa 1745 for the Meissen factory.
Conclusively identifying the factory responsible for unmarked French glazed soft-paste porcelain examples can be difficult. The present pair are certainly mid-18th century in date. The only question is whether they were made at Mennecy or at Saint-Cloud, as they exhibit traits of both manufactories.
The corn kernel-like molding of the basket between the male figure’s knees is not dissimilar to the molding of a potpourri box and cover modeled as a basket of flowers sold as Saint Cloud in the sale of French porcelain from the Collection of Elizabeth Parke Firestone, sold Christie’s in New York, 21 March 1991, lot 1. Acquired by MaryLou Boone at the auction, it is now in the collection of the Los Angeles County where it is attributed instead to the Sceaux porcelain factory of Jacques Chapelle. See Elizabeth A. Williams, ed., Daily Pleasures: French Ceramics from the MaryLou Boone Collection, Exhibition Catalogue, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 2012, cat no. 111.
Cat. no. 107 in the same Boone catalogue are two French soft-paste white figures—one a cobbler, the other an itinerant worker. Attributed to Mennecy, they too share marked similarities with the present bouquetières, particularly the color of the paste, pooling of the glaze and modeling of the clothing and facial features.
Height of shorter figure (woman) 8 1/2 inches. Both in good condition with kiln speckling, minor firing cracks, and glaze pooling visible. Having enclosed bottoms making them watertight for use as proper flower vases.
Condition reports are available upon request. All lots are sold “as is,” in the condition they are in at the time of the auction. The physical condition of lots can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration. Prospective buyers are strongly advised to inspect a lot personally or through a knowledgeable representative prior to bidding. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Prospective buyers must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction, and it is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that they have requested, received and considered any condition report.
The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.
The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.
Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.
To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]
European Furniture & Decorative Arts Department
Please contact our team of specialists with any questions about the auction
