Figural Inkwell / Spill Vase

This is a superb figurine made by Niderviller around 1800. It is of a boy playing the flute while leaning against a barrel on top of a wheel barrow. Three containers to the front all on a typical base with gold trim around the edge. I think this piece was meant as an inkwell, a spillvase or match holder or something like that back in the day. Not entirely sure of the function but it's a relaly nice piece! The figurine is superbly modeled and hand painted in the typical fashion for this maker. A solid and heavy piece for its size as they did not use air holes during the firing process. The figure displays nicely but has some damage. His flute has the tip missing, each handle of the wheel barrow is broken off and I think there used to be a tap in the barrel though I am not sure on that part. Some roughness to the bottom edge from when it was made. As is the case with most of their figurines it is unmarked. The figure is 4.75 inches tall, 5.5 inches wide and 4.875 inches deep. Please email me for more information or other pictures.