Featured Pottery Figural Grouping with 128 VI mark

Hello Everyone! Sorry to be away for so long. I could use some help with this figurine. It stands about 5" tall x 5 1/8" wide x 4" deep. There is a scratched in mark 128 VI and a written number 9.176. The only google lens hit that took me anywhere was to an active listing identifying this as French but I'm not convinced. Any help would be much appreciated Thank you very much!
Don

 

Welcome back Don! Lovely little scene.

 

Charming. I'm wondering if the black numbers are some kind of collection or museum number? It does look continental and the clothing does look French but not exclusively. 19th c possible, but other than that, I've got nada.

 

an english fairing ?

 

I think a bit large for a fairing and the quality is better than fairings.

 

My new-to-me word of the day, thanks!
fairing

 

It is very sweet. Wish I could help, but all I can say is that the writing on the bottom doesn't look new.

 

I think it is the top part of an inkwell from Germany.


https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/conta-boehme-german-porcelain-inkwell-figural

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1529718060/german-inkwell-porcelain-lidded-with

The numbering at the bottom of this one is almost identical:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/154216299248

 

Haven't seen an inkwell like that before. I have seen figurines with that open bottom construction, but never knew who or when.

 

I found a piece where you can fully see the bottom. And it is fully identical.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111287204931

Nice page on the topic: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_fairing

 

My goodness! Well, I'm not going to opine on fairings anymore, LOL! But an inkwell is quite the elaborate fairing! Learned my something new today!

 

Wow! Thank you all so much especially Poppies! It never occurred to me it could be the top to an inkwell. I very much appreciate your sleuthing on my behalf!
Don

 

Thank you!