Pair of Boxes

Each box is in the form of a kneeling man resting on crossed arms while supporting a large basket of flowers on his back. The grinning figures have large ears and noses, are barefoot and dressed in loose fitting robes with their hands concealed by the long sleeves. The top floral sections of the baskets are separate pieces that serve as lids for the individual boxes, each being unique. While the Saint-Cloud manufactory introduced a number of free-standing “chinoisierie” (Asian-inspired) figurines, this pair of boxes is the only known example of this whimsical form. They were likely used as part of a toilet service to be displayed on an elaborate dressing table for holding different beauty products and to amuse visitors while reflecting the wealth and refined taste of their owner.