J.J. Kändler Porcelain

A rare and stunning pair German porcelain figures holding birds attributed to Johann Joachim Kändler (German 1706 – 1775) for world renowned makers Meissen and dating from the 19th c...

A Rare 18th-Century Meissen Porcelain Horse-Drawn Sleigh Group Featuring the Court Jesters Joseph Fröhlich and Gottfried Schmiedel, After a Model by Johann Joachim Kändler. This finely modeled and painted Meissen porcelain group, created circa 1750, captures a dynamic and theatrical sleigh ride featuring the court jesters Fröhlich and Schmiedel. The composition is anchored by a galloping white horse adorned with a blue cloth draped over its back, trimmed with gilt tassels. The harness, with delicate chains, connects the horse to an elaborately detailed sleigh with scrolling gilt accents and openwork elements. The sleigh glides over a textured, snow-covered base, sculpted to mimic the uneven terrain. At the center of this lively scene, Fröhlich, dressed in vibrant carnival attire with a green hat and yellow cape, stands on the runners of the sleigh, leaning forward to embrace and steal a kiss from Countess Friesen. However, the "Countess" is, in fact, Schmiedel in disguise, adding to the humor of the piece. Schmiedel wears a floral-patterned gown with intricate hand-painted blooms in shades of purple, yellow, and red, complemented by a white apron and a red bonnet. The finely painted facial features capture the moment's theatricality, as Schmiedel grips the reins while seemingly playing along with the jest. In front of them, a small monkey with wings sits perched at the sleigh’s edge, holding a dish with two burning hearts, reinforcing the amorous and playful nature of the composition. The back of the base bears the Meissen underglaze blue crossed swords mark, confirming its origin at the renowned German porcelain manufacturer. The model was first created by Johann Joachim Kändler in 1741, during his tenure as Meissen’s chief modeler. Kändler’s ability to animate porcelain figures with expressive gestures and dynamic movement is evident in this work, reflecting the theatrical influences of the period. Meissen, established in the early 1700s under the patronage of Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony, was the first European porcelain manufacturer to successfully produce hard-paste porcelain. The factory became synonymous with innovation, refinement, and technical excellence, with Kändler playing a key role in developing its sculptural traditions. Meissen’s 18th...

An important, extremely rare, and rather large 18th century Meissen Porcelain Group of a Thalia with a Harlequin Child, By Johann Joachim (J.J.) Kändler, Circa: 1744. This is an incredible and extremely rare 18th century Meissen Porcelain piece modeled by the greatest Meissen modeler ever in the Company, Johann Joachim (J.J.) Kändler. Thalia can be seen seated on a gorgeous hand-carved and hand-painted flowered and vined porcelain pedestal. Her right arm is raised holding a Phantom of the Opera Black and White Mask, while in her other arm is a young Harlequin dancing and singing holding a hat. Thalia is wearing a gilt-edged dark blue bodice with white floral decorations over a black corset draped in a red-over-yellow robe...