Ceramic People Appraisal

Three Ceramic Figural Statuettes of Elderly Individuals

This lot features three ceramic figural statuettes depicting elderly individuals, likely a grandmother, grandfather, and a younger female child or grandchild, designed in a whimsical, folksy style. The figures appear to be made of glazed ceramic or porcelain, characterized by a smooth, somewhat glossy finish. The color palette is predominantly muted and earthy, including shades of brown, beige, cream, gray, and subtle touches of red and green. The central figure is an elderly man, dressed in a cowboy hat, a light brown vest over a cream-colored shirt, and gray trousers. He sports a distinguished beard and mustache, adding to his elder appearance. In his left hand, he holds what appears to be a small bunch of green vegetables, possibly carrots or celery, indicative of a farmer or gardener character. His hands are tucked into his pockets, conveying a relaxed posture. He stands on a textured, off-white base designed to mimic natural ground. To the right, an elderly woman is depicted wearing a medium brown dress with a cream-colored apron or skirt overlay, and a light blue or gray shawl draped over her shoulders. Her face shows smiling wrinkles, suggesting a cheerful disposition. She carries a small, woven-look basket in her left hand, which appears to contain red items, possibly fruit or yarn. Like the man, she stands on a similarly textured, off-white base. The third figure, on the left, is a younger female seated in a black metal-wire chair. She wears a yellow hat, a red jacket over a cream dress with small dark polka dots, and red shoes. She holds a small, light-colored cup in her hand. Her facial features are less defined due to her smaller scale but also convey a pleasant expression. The metal chair she sits in has a delicate, openwork design. All figures exhibit a degree of hand-painted detail, particularly noticeable in the facial features and clothing textures. The overall condition appears to be good with no obvious chips, cracks, or significant wear visible from the provided images, although close inspection would be required to confirm. The style suggests mass-produced decorative items, potentially from the mid to late 20th century. The quality of craftsmanship is typical for decorative ceramic figurines of this type, with good attention to character details and costume elements. These pieces, likely intended for display, evoke a sense of nostalgic rural life or family scenes.