The coats worn by the figures are characteristic of 17th/18th Century European garb, possibly Portuguese or Dutch. These half-length figures are representations of a family of Western traders that passed through Canton, China. One of the figures is holding a dog in her hands, as another holds a bowl containing an apple. The pronounced nose and curly hair on several figures connotes that some of the subjects were likely Jewish Merchants or Traders . These glazed ceramic figures were likely crafted as gifts for a wealthy merchant family.
Dimensions, from left to right:
Height: 15 1/2” Width: 6”
Height: 9 3/4” Width: 6 1/2”
Height: 12” Width: 7 3/4”
Height: 15 3/4” Width: 7 1/2”
These figures were sold on March 22, 1968 at Parke-Bernet Galleries in New York, Sale #2672. They were the property of the Estate of Margaret Thayer Talbot as lots 212 & 213. Ms. Talbott’s Mother was a Titanic survivor.
