A Chinese export nodding head figure, Qing dynasty, 19th century
Auction Closed
May 26, 03:18 PM GMT
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
A Chinese export nodding head figure
Qing dynasty, 19th century
Height 30.1 cm, 11⅞ in.
Christie's London, 13th November 1997, lot 9.
George IV, when Prince of Wales, acquired at least eight of these figures (RCIN 26082-26088) which were displayed in the Gallery at his ‘Pavilion’ in Brighton. They possibly originate from South China, within reach of the port of Guangzhou, a great centre for material exported to Europe. There is in extant bill in the Royal Archives from John Crace dated 1803 which includes; ‘Three Mandarine figures [£]9.9.0’ (Royal Archives GEO/MAIN/26353) these could be amongst the nodding head models ordered by the Prince of Wales for the Gallery.