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Pair of large Meissen porcelain models of magpies

Creator: Meissen Porcelain Manufactory
Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Pair of large Meissen porcelain models of magpies
German, Late 19th Century
Height 53cm, width 14cm, depth 13cm

These wonderful porcelain Animalia pieces were made by the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory in Germany in the late nineteenth century. After a model by J.J. Kändler, these works depict a pair of large magpies, perched on a small, pale, naturalistically crafted tree stump, which has been applied with foliage. The birds are depicted in a fantastically dynamic and vibrant fashion, with their tails upturned and raised, their heads and beaks pointed downwards as they squawk. The black and white of their features are superbly realistic, and the subtle hints of colour on the base accentuate and complement the birds' monochrome patterns.

Over the years, the excellent Meissen factory has passed down to different owners, which influenced a variation in style through various different periods. The famous crossed-swords mark was officially put in place on the 7 April 1723 to guard against forgeries which had started appearing. Until this day, the crossed-swords Meissen mark has always been a hand-painted blue underglaze mark, with several variations according to different periods of manufacture such as the ‘dot-period’ or the ‘Marcolini period’. These works are exceptional examples from Meissen's animal models and Animalia output.

Artist/Maker: Meissen

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	Germany
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Porcelain.
Creation Date:	Late 19th Century
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Dealer Reference #:	14246
Incollect Reference #:	739803

Dimensions

W.	5.51 in;	H.	20.87 in;	D.	5.12 in;
W.	14 cm;	H.	53 cm;	D.	13 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.