A rare porcelain figure of a Chinese man with a nodding head, produced in Germany at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The figure depicts a seated Chinese man with crossed legs, dressed in richly painted Eastern robes with a broad lace collar. The face is modelled with expressive grotesque features, including a wide-open mouth, animated facial expression and a benevolent smile characteristic of Historicist decorative sculpture.
The body is decorated with finely executed hand-painted polychrome floral ornamentation. The head is mounted on a concealed pivot mechanism and gently nods with movement. The figure belongs to the rare category of European decorative nodding figures, also known in the international art market as nodders.
Examples of this type were produced by German porcelain manufactories during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as decorative objects for drawing rooms, libraries and mantelpieces. They combine refined modelling, vibrant hand-painted decoration and an ingenious mechanical feature, making them highly desirable among collectors of European porcelain.
Dimensions: Height: 18 cm. Width: 12 cm.
Condition: Good condition. The nodding-head mechanism functions correctly. Minor signs of age and use consistent with the period.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
