Man Reading Figurine Appraisal

Elderly Couple Figurines (Man Reading, Woman Knitting)

This is a pair of ceramic or porcelain figurines depicting an elderly man and woman engaged in domestic activities. Both figurines appear to be made of a glazed ceramic or porcelain material, primarily in muted earth tones with some accents. The man is seated, wearing a brown hat, a brown jacket over a white shirt, and dark pants or trousers, reading from an open, red-covered book. He has a prominent beard and mustache. He is depicted sitting on what appears to be a stone or hay bale, with a small white pig or piglet nestled at his feet on the ornate, cream-colored base. The woman is also seated, dressed in a red top and a green shawl or cardigan over a patterned skirt, actively knitting with what appears to be a white or light-colored yarn. Her hair is short and grey, and she has a gentle, concentrated expression. A small white bird, possibly a duck or goose, is perched near her feet on her matching ornate base. Both bases are detailed with rococo-style, swirling motifs. The craftsmanship suggests they are hand-painted, with attention given to facial expressions and clothing details. There are no apparent major chips, cracks, or repairs visible from the provided image, indicating good to very good condition, though a closer inspection would be required to confirm this. The style is common among decorative porcelain figures from the mid to late 20th century, often associated with a sentimental or idyllic depiction of country life or elderly couples. They likely represent a 'Grandpa and Grandma' theme, a popular subject for collectible figurines.