715 - Rare pair of Chinese export porcelain famille verte biscuit glazed figures of a European couple, Kangxi ca. 1700-15. The male figure modeled with long curly hair and his seated female companion in colorful robes with hair high 'a la Fontanges.' Provenance: Christie's, London, "Fine Chinese Export Ceramics and Works of Art," 9 May 1994, Lot 9 (featured on cover of catalog); The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff. Reference: Sargent, "The Copeland Collection," pg. 104-7, nos. 48 & 49. Howard & Ayers, "China for the West," pg. 580-1, no. 601. Lot Essay: The clothing these figures wear resembles that of the French court ca. 1700 and indeed the male figure is often referred to as "the Dauphin." Possibly based on French fashion engravings by Nicolas and Robert Bonnart or others, these figures are possibly based on those of the royal family. The male figure is sometimes identified as Louis XIV while his female companion has been variously referred as as Madame de Maintenon, Madame de Montespan, or Madame de Mainfloron. The attribution to Louis XIV is generally attributed to the baton the male wields (lacking here) which was sometimes interpreted by Chinese makers as a scroll. Overall the set belongs to a series of five which have been loosely described as "Louis XIV and his Family." Howard & Ayers mention a rare set of five held in the collection of Musee National Adrien Dubouche at Limoges. Howard & Ayers also mention the possibility that these represent Dutch figures, though the authors disagree with this, but concede they may have been ordered from Holland rather than from France. (Male figure) Height: 9 3/4 in x width: 6 1/4 in x depth: 3 in. (Female figure) Height: 9 in x width: 4 1/4 in x depth: 2 3/4 in.