Two gilt-metal-mounted figures of nodding Chinese marching boys, circa 1750

Modelled by J.J. Kaendler und F.E. Meyer, each wearing a leaf hat on the articulated nodding head resting on a gilt-metal collar, the first wearing a puce flower-decorated short cape over a yellow tunic and red shoes, the second with a green cape and white tunic with gilt and purple flowers, the bases applied with leaves and flowers, on later gilt-metal mounts raised on three scroll feet, 27.5cm high, crossed swords marks in underglaze-blue to rear of bases, the first with 2 in black (restoration to hats and heads, green cape restored, the other figure with right thumb restored, small chips to flowers and leaves on bases (2)

Provenance:
By repute, the Dukes of Württemberg;
Private Collection, Germany (sold Christie's London, 6 Nov 2008, lot 56);
The Rosa Alba Collection of Meissen Porcelain