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H.: 78 cm (incl. stand) - L.: 41 cm

Condition: (UV-checked) (update 04/03/21)
- The deer on the left: stand not perfectly fitting due to a slight deformation of the rear legs. The antlers have been detached and are loose. They were probably once soldered onto the head, with traces of solder still present. There is a split in the middle of the head, running down from between the ears, through the nose and also slightly visible beneath the chin. The nose with some enamel loss, the tip of the nose visibly dented. A few small spots with negligble superficial wear throughout.
The deer on the right: In very good condition, apart from a small spot of enamel loss to the mouth. The antlers soldered back on, one detached again.
- The wooden stands a bit 'dry', but overall in good condition with negligible minor wear.

Elegantly modelled, these impressive models appear very refined. From the anatomical features in the posture through the facial traits, the artisan has skillfully recreated the appearance of the animals. In our view, these works are close or equal to the level of workmanship found in the imperial workshops.

Provenance:
- An important Belgian private collection.
- Acquired at a Brussels auction in 2016.
- The collection of a French family residing in Belgium.

Ref.:
- Compare with a pair of large models of elephants, originally from the Winston Churchill estate, sold at Christie's, Hong Kong, on May 30, 2012. (link)
- Compare with a large deer figure, originally from the collection of Alphonse de Rothschild (1827-1905). (link)