Object Description
A rare Anglo-Chinese Regency polychrome painted wax and wood group of two Chinese card players, both with nodding heads with horsetail top-knots, wearing jackets with large collars, one with wide-sleeves, gilt belts and voluminous trousers, seated at a circular table, one man grinning and pointing in amusement at the frustration of his companion at having dropped his cards on the floor. Anglo-Chinese, circa 1800.
Footnote: Card players like these are generally assumed to date from the late George III or Regency period following the Prince Regent’s enthusiasm for Chinoiserie decoration at The Royal Pavilion in Brighton. The Zoffany portrait of Queen Charlotte, with the young Prince dressed in Roman armour, shows a large pair of standing Chinese deities on a table in the background. Playing cards were invented in China, probably during the Song Dynasty (1127-1279).