Two Meissen Figures of Gardeners, Circa 1750-55 | Zwei Meissen Gärtnerfiguren, um 1750-55

the first modelled by Peter Reinicke, standing, holding a spade in one hand and a basket of flowers in the the other, wearing a black hat, loose white shirt and a brown jacket, on a gilt scroll-moulded base, the second with his left foot resting on a spade, wearing a black hat, white shirt and brown jacket, on a rocky base applied with leaves, the first with traces of crossed swords mark in blue and impressed numeral 4, the second with crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue to rear of base

Heights 6 1/4 in.; 4 5/8 in.

15.9 cm.; 12.7 cm.

Literature
Horst Reber, Eine Rheinische Porzellan-Sammlung, Darmstadt, 2006, Vol. I, pp. 169 (the taller figure) and 166 (the smaller figure)

Catalogue note
Overall in good decorative order. In further detail:

The taller figure holding a basket - The upper part of spade handle, above his hand, a restored replacement, the piece broken off at join with hand but available. Some restoration to hat brim to one side and tiny chips to ribbon and flowers and leaves on hat. Small chips to some leaves in flower basket. Slight wear to gilding on base.

The smaller figure with a spade - Small flake to black enamel on hat. Small chips to three leaves on base. Chips to black bow on the shoe of his raised left foot. Overall in good condition.

Cranfield University used non-invasive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for this lot to screen the green enamel for chromium, which was not detected, a result consistent with 18th century manufacture.
Additional Notices & Disclaimers

Please note that Condition 12 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers (Online Only) is not applicable to this lot.