Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
German
Meissen Porcelain (Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen) is one of the preeminent porcelain factories in Europe and was the first to produce true porcelain outside of Asia. It was established in 1710 under the auspices of King Augustus II “the Strong” of Saxony-Poland (1670–1733), a keen collector of Asian ceramics, particularly Ming porcelain.
In pursuing his passion, which he termed his “maladie de porcelaine,” Augustus spent vast sums, amassing some 20,000 pieces of Japanese and Chinese ceramics. These, along with examples of early Meissen, comprise the Porzellansammlung, or porcelain collection, of the Zwinger Palace, in Dresden.
The king was determined, however, to free the European market from its dependence on Asian imports and to give European artisans the freedom to create their own porcelain designs. To this end, he charged the scientist Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus and aspiring alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger with the task of using local materials to produce true, hard-paste porcelain (as opposed to the soft-paste variety European ceramists in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and Spain had been producing since the late Renaissance). In 1709, the pair succeeded in doing just that, employing kaolin, or “china clay.” A year later, the Meissen factory was born.
In its first decades, Meissen mostly looked to Asian models, producing wares based on Japanese Kakiemon ceramics and pieces with Chinese-inflected decorations called chinoiserie. During the 1720s its painters drew inspiration from the works of Watteau, and the scenes of courtly life, fruits and flowers that adorned fashionable textiles and wallpaper. It was in this period that Meissen introduced its famous cobalt-blue crossed swords logo — derived from the arms of the Elector of Saxony as Arch-Marshal of the Holy Roman Empire — to distinguish its products from those of competing factories that were beginning to spring up around Europe.
By the 1730s, Meissen’s modelers and decorators had mastered the style of Asian ceramics, and Augustus encouraged them to develop a new, original aesthetic. The factory’s director, Count Heinrich von Brühl, used Johann Wilhelm Weinmann’s botanical drawings as the basis for a new line of wares with European-style surface decoration. The Blue Onion pattern (Zwiebelmuster), first produced in 1739, melded Asian and European influences, closely following patterns used in Chinese underglaze-blue porcelain, but replacing exotic flora and fruits with Western varieties (likely peaches and pomegranates, not onions) along with peonies and asters.
During the same period, head modeler Joachim Kändler (1706–75) began crafting delicate porcelain figures derived from the Italian commedia dell’arte. Often used as centerpieces on banquet tables and decorated to reflect the latest fashions in courtly dress for men and women, these figurines were popular in their day, and are still considered among Meissen’s most iconic creations. Kändler also created the Swan Service, which, with its complex low-relief surface design and minimal decoration is considered a masterpiece of Baroque ceramics.
The rise of Neoclassicism in the latter half of the 18th century forced Meissen to change artistic direction and begin producing monumental vases, clocks, chandeliers and candelabra. In the 20th century, Meissen added to its 18th-century repertoire decidedly modern designs, including ones in the Art Nouveau style. The 1920s saw the introduction of numerous animal figures, such as the popular sea otter (Fischotter), which graced an East German postage stamp in the 1960s. Starting in 1933, artistic freedom was limited at the factory under the Nazi regime, and after World War II, when the region became part of East Germany, it struggled to reconcile its elite past with the values of the Communist government. In 1969, however, new artistic director Karl Petermann reintroduced the early designs and fostered a new degree of artistic license. Meissen became one of the few companies to prosper in East Germany.
Owned by the State of Saxony since reunification, in 1990, Meissen continues to produce its classic designs together with new ones developed collaboratively with artists from all over the world. In addition, through its artCAMPUS program, the factory has invited distinguished ceramic artists, such as Chris Antemann and Arlene Shechet, to work in its studios in collaboration with its skilled modelers and painters. The resulting works of contemporary sculpture are inspired by Meissen’s rich and complex legacy.
Find a collection of authentic Meissen Porcelain on 1stDibs.
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Creator: Meissen Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Mythological Group Sculpture- Europe And The Bull
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Meissen Porcelain Mythological Group Sculpture. It depicts a semi nude lady ( Europe- the mother of the continent with the same name ) seated over a bull ( representing the...
Category
Early 20th Century German Rococo Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Sculpture, Meissen Porcelain Group, the 5 Senses, Napoleon III Period.
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture, Meissen porcelain group, the 5 senses, 19th century, Napoleon III period.
A Meissen porcelain sculpture, Germany, representing the 5 senses, taste, hearing, sight, touch,...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of 18th Century Meissen Porcelain Subjects.
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of 18th century Meissen porcelain subjects.
A pair of 18th century Meissen porcelain sculpture subjects, circa 1760, depicting a Turkish couple.
H: 13cm, D: 5cm
Category
18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Grouping of Mars's War Chariot with War Putti for Catherine the Great
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent and quite large, Baroque style, Museum Quality, Antique Meissen Porcelain Grouping of Mars, the God of War, Chariot with his Putti Servant, originally designed by Johann Joachim Kändler in 1772-1773 for Czarina Katharina, better known as Catherine the Great. Mars, the Roman God of war, is seen wearing a Roman war attire on his white double horse-drawn chariot. While seated, Mars is seen holding the handle of his sword. On his head is a beautiful silver helmet...
Category
19th Century German Baroque Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Grouping of Apollo's Sun Chariot with Sun Putti for Catherine the Great
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent and quite large, Baroque style, Museum quality, antique Meissen Porcelain grouping of Apollo, the Sun God's, Sun Chariot with his Putti Servant, originally designed by Johann Joachim Kändler in 1772-1773 for Czarina Katharina, Better known as Catherine the great...
Category
1870s German Baroque Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Large Meissen Porcelain Group of Lovers Kissing in the Ocean on a Rock
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Large Meissen Porcelain group of lovers kissing in the Ocean on a Rock. This piece is truly spectacular in both quality and size. The pair of lovers a...
Category
1870s German Aesthetic Movement Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Figure Cavalier At His Desk Writing A Love Letter, Kaendler, Circa 1860
By Johann Joachim Kaendler, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Meissen porcelain figure:
Young gentleman in elaborate rococo clothing of the upper classes: noble white frock coat with golden hems, gold and flower embroidered vest and sleeve cuffs, large black bow on the wig hair, sitting at a magnificent desk with curved...
Category
1860s German Baroque Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Lady Figurine Watching a Bird
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Meissen Porcelain lady figurine that it is part of group of five that represents the five senses. She represents the sense of Touch. It depicts an 18th century lady in a chair beside a side table that has a large birdcage...
Category
Early 20th Century German Baroque Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Allegorical Group 'The Disarming Of Cupid', E. Andresen, Meissen Germany, c 1890
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Very delicate Meissen porcelain group of the late 19th century:
Three beautiful young women with artfully pinned-up hair and wrapped in loose cloths grouped on a high towering rock, ...
Category
1890s German Baroque Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Antique Meissen Porcelain Figures of Malabar Musicians
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in London, GB
Pair of antique Meissen porcelain figures of Malabar musicians
German, Late 19th Century
Woman: Height 33cm, width 13cm, depth 11cm
Man: Height 32cm, width 20cm, depth 11cm
Expertly crafted in the late 19th century by the artists at Meissen, the figures depict a charming pair of Malabar musicians. The design of this pair is after models by Friedrich Elias Meyer (German 1723–1785), an artist at Meissen.
The figure of a lady is playing the hurdy-gurdy and the moustached man the guitar. Both figures are wearing a pale straw hat, their bodies covered by a maroon-coloured and fur lined jacket...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Fall Figural Group
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New Orleans, LA
A pair of putti holding symbols of the harvest adorn this Meissen porcelain figural group entitled Fall. Part of the company's Seasons series, these charming characters rest upon a r...
Category
19th Century German Rococo Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of 18th Century Meissen Porcelain Bouquetiere Figures
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Basildon, GB
A pair of Meissen bouquetiere figures Circa 1765, both with 'Christie's East' dealer stamps.
Modelled by J.J. Kändler holding oval two-handled baskets, the tops pierced for flowers, ...
Category
1760s German Rococo Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Art Nouveau Group, Children Baking Sand Cakes, by Konrad Hentschel, 20th
By Julius Konrad Hentschel, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Girl with green-blue, patterned, long-sleeved dress and tied-up hair with her little brother in a white shirt, sitting at an elongated piece of driftwood and baking sand moulds with ...
Category
1980s German Art Nouveau Vintage Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of 18th Century or Early 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Groups.
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of 18th century or early 19th century Meissen porcelain groups.
A pair of 18th century or early 19th century Meissen porcelain sculpture groups representing the 4 continents.
H...
Category
Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
A Group of Children in 18th Century Meissen Porcelain, Louis XVI Period.
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A group of children in 18th century Meissen porcelain, Louis XVI period.
An 18th century Meissen porcelain sculpture of a group of children, Louis XVI period.
H: 22cm, D: 14cm
Category
18th Century French Louis XVI Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Early Meissen Round Group of Gardener Children, by J.J. Kaendler, 1763-1774
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen porcelain group from the time of origin:
Four children in festive, rural rococo clothing on a three-part rocaille base: on the central raised pedestal a girl with a basket o...
Category
1760s German Rococo Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Art Nouveau Figurine, Boy On Wooden Horse, by Konrad Hentschel, 1905
By Julius Konrad Hentschel, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Boy in a white shirt with a newspaper cap riding on a wooden horse with wheels.
Modeling and painting of the finest quality, excellent lifelike and loving details.
Modeller:
JULIUS ...
Category
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Couple figure in Meissen porcelain, Design by Johann Joachim Kaendler
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Couple figure in Meissen porcelain, Design by Johann Joachim Kaendler
Group of shepherds with tree Naturalistic oval base. A shepherd couple sitting together under leafy oak trees. T...
Category
19th Century German Belle Époque Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Parrot perched on a tree trunk, 19th Century
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th Century Meissen porcelain Parrot perched on a tree trunk, having wonderful bold colouring.
Signed to the base with blue crossed swords.
Batch 77 62748 DNKZZ
Category
19th Century German Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Sculpture, Group in Meissen Porcelain, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sculpture, group in Meissen porcelain, 19th century, Napoleon III period.
A Meissen porcelain sculpture of children playing colin maillard, 19th century, Napoleon III period.
H: 19c...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Figurine Depicting Rape of Europa
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
Our porcelain figurine from Meissen depicts Europa riding Jupiter, disquised as a bull, depicting the Rape of Europa from Ovid's Metamorphosis.
It tells of the abduction of Europ...
Category
Late 19th Century German Louis XVI Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Rococo Group 'The Decisive Choice' by J.C. Schoenheit, around 1870
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Carl Schoenheit
Located in Vienna, AT
Elaborate large porcelain group of the 19th century:
In the centre of the group of three, the chosen one, with a feathered hat and a flower garland around her hips, which also encirc...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Rococo Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Group Figures The Capture Of The Triton
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Mythological Meissen group Porcelain figurines depicting two semi nudes nymphs and a nude child holding a fishing net that catches a baby, some fi...
Category
Early 20th Century German Neoclassical Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Meissen Porcelain Model of 2 Dancing Figures Circa 1815
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This antique Meissen porcelain figurine depicts two dancing figures and dates back to approximately 1815. The piece is crafted from high-quality porcelain and features intricate deta...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Art Nouveau Figurine, Girl With Doll's Pram, by Konrad Hentschel, 1905
By Meissen Porcelain, Julius Konrad Hentschel
Located in Vienna, AT
The girl in a white dress and with a blue bow in her long hair bends over the wicker doll's pram and places the doll into the deep pillow.
Modeling and painting of the finest quality...
Category
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Art Nouveau Group 'Girl With Goat', by Erich Hoesel, Meissen Germany, ca 1905
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Meissen Art Nouveau porcelain group:
A girl in a green dress with an Art Nouveau pattern and a white blouse is holding up a bouquet over her head with both hands, fending off a ...
Category
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Antique German porcelain group of Venus with Cupid by Meissen
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in London, GB
Antique German porcelain group of Venus with Cupid by Meissen
German, c. 1750
Height 20.5cm, width 11cm, depth 12cm
This charming Meissen porce...
Category
Mid-18th Century German Rococo Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Figurine of Cherub as Scottish Lass Dancing Germany
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Montreal, QC
Delightful little Meissen porcelain figurine of a cherub as a Scottish lass, curtsying for a dance. From the tam atop her head to her plaid kilt to her little bare feet, she is a ros...
Category
Early 20th Century German Edwardian Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen group playing cards, late 19th Century.
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An enchanting late 19th Century Meissen porcelain group depicting three figures playing cards seated around a table.
Signed blue crossed swords to the base.
Batch 81 DLYNE
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Pair Meissen parrots, late 19th century
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brighton, Sussex
Small pair of enchanting late 19th Century Meissen porcelain Parrots, each with wonderful bold colouring and signed with the blue crossed swords to the base.
Batch 76 G9490/21 CEKZ
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Figurina di Putto dell'Amore in Porcellana di Meissen del 1800
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Milano, MI
Statuina raffigurante il Putto dell'Amore in porcellana di Meissen, realizzato nel 1800. La statuina potrebbe aver subito dei restauri.
Ø cm 10 Ø cm 6 h cm 13
La porcellana di Meis...
Category
1870s German Classical Greek Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Rococo Group, Shpherd Couple Under Trees, by J.J. Kaendler, Ca 1860
By Johann Joachim Kaendler, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent and rare Meissen porcelain genre group:
Elegantly dressed Rococo couple in the shade of a group of trees: a young lady sitting at the feet of her beau, leaning back against...
Category
1860s German Rococo Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Early Meissen Cherub Group Allegory Summer & Autumn, by J.J. Kaendler, C 1750
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen Porcelain Group From The Time Of Origin:
Two naked cupids and a ram on a rocaille rock, depicting the seasons of summer and autumn:
Summer bedded on a bundle of ears of cor...
Category
1760s German Rococo Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Allegorical Group 'The Water', by M.V. Acier, Germany, Around 1860
By Michel Victor Acier 1, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Meissen porcelain group of the 19th century:
Nymph, covered only with a cloth, seated on a half shell floating on the water, holding the cloth at one end so that it forms ...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Baroque Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Set of Two Porcelain Sculptures of the Abduction of the Sabine Women
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of two porcelain figurines in the style of Meissen depicting the "Abduction of the Sabine Women"a historic episode from Roman mythology that is traditionally attributed to Romulu...
Category
Early 1900s Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Early Meissen Porcelain, Singerie Style Monkey Musician Figurine
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
An early Meissen Porcelain Singerie style Monkey Musician Figurine. Dressed in full male noble attire and wig the monkey merrily plays the trumpet assu...
Category
19th Century German Rococo Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Early Meissen Cupid Group Around 1750, Allegory of Spring, with Additional Base
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Four scantily clad cupids grouped on a rock, partly flowers, partly holding flower arrangements in their hands, the flowers as a typical attribute of the Meissen spring representatio...
Category
Mid-18th Century German Rococo Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Porcelain Group of Bacchus and Attendants by Meissen
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in London, GB
This piece is a superb example of the work of the Meissen porcelain manufactory. Modelled by E. A. Leuteritz in the 19th century based upon earlier models, it is a group piece, showi...
Category
Mid-19th Century German Rococo Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Figurine of Bull with Boy and Girl
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
Our charming figurine from Meissen depicts a boy and girl with work bull. With blue underglaze mark of Meissen and impressed model number R78 and smaller impressed number 131.
Category
Late 19th Century German Rococo Revival Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Mythological Figurine, Ganymede On Cloud Base, Kaendler, Circa 1860
By Johann Joachim Kaendler, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
The young man, covered only with a cloth, known in Greek mythology as ‘the most beautiful of all boys’, sits on the back of Zeus, who has been transformed into an eagle, and is carri...
Category
1860s German Baroque Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen group, a courting couple, with classical bust behind.
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An enchanting Meissen porcelain group depicting lovers standing infront of a classical marble bust, a young boy rocking a cot, a ship and dog.
Blue crossed swords to the base.
Batc...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Pair 19th Century Meissen Parrots.
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An enchanting pair of fine quality late 19th Century Meissen porcelain Parrots, perched on tree trunks feasting.
Blue crossed swords signed to the base.
Batch 62747 DHKZ
Category
19th Century Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Bacchant Group 'Drunken Silenus On Donkey', by F.E. Meyer, 1763-1773
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Original Rococo Meissen Group from the 18th Century.
Visibly drunk Silenus, crowned with a wreath of vines, sitting on a donkey and supported by a young Bacchante walking alongside h...
Category
1760s German Rococo Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Summer and Fall Figural Group
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New Orleans, LA
This beautiful Meissen Porcelain figure entitled Summer and Fall is part of the company's beloved Seasons series. The putti rest upon a rocaille-formed base holding representations o...
Category
Late 19th Century German Other Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figurine, 'Pair of Gardeners', Model No 1584
By Johann Joachim Kaendler, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Basildon, GB
18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figurines, Pair of Gardeners. Model 1584.
A couple of gardeners, designed by Johann Joachim Kaendler, with flowers and vegetable basket, sitting / s...
Category
1750s German Rococo Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Ensemble Of 5 Models, Russian Ballet 'Carnival', by Paul Scheurich, 20th
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Set of finest Meissen Porcelain Figures:
'HARLEKIN & COLUMBINE'
Dancing couple depicting the figures of the Harlequin and the Columbine: Dancer balancing on her toes in an elaborate crinoline dress with a plunging neckline, her hair artfully pinned up with floral decorations, her outstretched arms pressed down in front of her and her head tilted to the left with her mouth open, facing her dance partner, the latter dressed in colourfully patterned harlequin trousers with a white shirt and a large black bow, He is dressed in colourful, patterned harlequin trousers with a white shirt and a large black bow, which he presses against his chest with his left hand, and a black cap that reaches down over his eyes like a mask, the batte on his hip, nestling against the dancer's side and burying his right arm around her hips in the ruffles of her dress and
suggesting a kiss with his mouth open.
The group is supported by a pedestal beneath the dancer's skirt and rests on an oval plinth painted with a diamond pattern and floral decoration.
Height: 10.62 in
Blue Meissen crossed swords mark of the 20th century
Year's sign 1977
Model nr. 73306 (D 287) / Former's nr. 123
'ESTRELLA'
Dancer balancing on her toes, turning her head to the right and bringing her right hand indecisively to her chin while making a defensive gesture with her left hand - feigning horror at the stormy courtship of her gallant Eusebius.
She is wearing a crinoline dress decorated with flowers and a bonnet.
The figure is supported by a pedestal and rests on an oval plinth painted with a diamond pattern.
Height: 10.62 in
Blue Meissen crossed swords mark 1934-1947
Model nr. D 285 / Former's nr. 48 / Painter's nr. 15
'CHIARINA'
Dancer balancing on the ball of her left foot, raising her right leg slightly forwards with her foot stretched downwards, leaning her head to the right and elegantly bringing both arms to her left side, flowers in her hands. She is wearing an elaborate crinoline dress with a flowered top and a bonnet, with a mask, fan and flowers scattered on the floor.
The figure is supported by a pedestal and rests on an oval plinth painted with a diamond pattern.
Height: 10.43 in
Blue Meissen crossed swords mark 1934-1947
Modellnr. D 286 / Former's nr. 51 / Painter's nr. 12
'EUSEBIUS'
Dancer in a wide lunge, his upper body turned to the right with his arm stretched backwards, holding his left hand to his heart and adoring his beloved Chiarina. He wears his hair parted in curls, his costume in the style of a dandy
with chequered trousers, a tight-fitting blue tailcoat with a flower pinned to the lapel, top hat, mask and riding crop at his feet.
The figure is supported by a rock and rests...
Category
Mid-20th Century German Biedermeier Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Large Pair of Allegory Figurines Day & Night by Silvia Kloede, Ca 2007
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
A pair of large, excellently crafted allegories - Day & Night in the form of two slender female figures celebrating femininity:
The figure representing the Day dressed in fresh, spr...
Category
Early 2000s German Modern Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Art Nouveau Figurine, Girl With Doll's Pram, by Konrad Hentschel, 1905
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Nouveau Meissen porcelain figure from the time the model was created:
The girl in a white dress and with a blue bow in her long hair bends over the wicker doll's pram and places ...
Category
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Pastoral Group/Handkuss 'The Hand-kiss'
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Lantau, HK
Meissen, hard-paste porcelain, circa 1738-1740.
The Artist
The Meissen manufactory near the city of Dresden was founded by Augustus II (1670-1733), King of Poland and Electoral of Saxony, in 1710. It was the first factory in Europe to succeed in making white hard-paste porcelain. The early years of the Meissen production were focused on creating copies of Chinese porcelain. It was only when Kaendler began to work at Meissen in 1731 that the manufactory would break free from the influence of Asia and produce porcelain of true European character.
The Painting
A sculptor by training, Kaendler took over the direction of the manufactory in 1733. He is considered the key figure in the development of Meissen and the individual behind the transformation of the factory’s porcelain during the 18th century. Kaendler demonstrated his artistic ability by creating a variety of porcelain groups including the Italian Commedia dell’Arte, Pastoral and Crinoline groups, and Cris de Paris, which were met with widespread acclaim and made Meissen famous throughout all of Europe. Soon these porcelain figures would be used extensively alongside vases and other ornaments to decorate interiors.
Provenance
The themes of fête galante, pastoral idylls and masquerade themes, created by Jean-Antoine Watteau (1684-1721), and then developed further by Francois Boucher (1703-1770) and Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1732-1806), depicting amorous scenes with dancers, women and shepherds engaged in frivolous pursuits, spread all over Europe during the first half of the 18th century. This is due to the French engraver Gabriel Huquier (1695-1747), who dedicated himself to images and engravings after Francois Boucher and Juste-Aurele Meissonnier (1695-1750), who fostered the concept of Rococo style, that brought about the new trend in decorative arts.
In 1738, Kaendler introduced one of his figures in pastoral costume with the Handkuss (Hand-kiss) scene under a tree. For the shepherd lovers’ scene, the German sculptor drew his inspiration from Boucher and Watteau. Since the 1730s, the Meissen manufactory has been providing Watteau’s engravings...
Category
1830s Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Meissen Porcelain Figure of Cupid with a Cheese Press
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Lambertville, NJ
19th Century Meissen porcelain figure modeled to show the young putti with a cheese press, sat on a naturalistic rocky outcrop raised on circular base. Un...
Category
1860s English Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain, Pair of Mandolin Player & Woodcutter Figurines, ca. 1860’s
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
Executed in the best traditions of Meissen, this lovely pair of statuettes depicts a female mandolin player and a woodcutter, where a musician entertains the laborer while he is occupied with his work.
Hallmarked with Meissen crossed swords and numbered ‘18’on the bottom of both bases.
Dimensions:
Mandolin Player:
Height: 4.07 inches (10.17cm)
Width: 2.25 inches (5.62cm)
Depth: 1.88 inches (4.7cm)
Woodcutter:
Height: 4.07 inches (10.17cm)
Width: 1.88 inches (4.7cm)
Depth: 2.75 inches (6.87cm)
Meissen
Meissen porcelain or ‘Meissen china...
Category
1860s German Belle Époque Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurine of Lame Cherub on Crutches, ca. 1880’s
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
This delicate statuette, amazing in its plot and executed in the best traditions of Meissen, depicts a charming cherub with a sad face expression, who has injured his leg and is leaning on homemade crutches. It evokes in the viewer compassion and a smile of tenderness at the same time.
Hallmarked with Meissen crossed swords and numbered ‘18’ on the bottom of the base.
Dimensions:
Height: 8.38 inches
With: 3.63 inches
Depth: 4.63 inches
MEISSEN
Meissen porcelain or ‘Meissen china...
Category
1880s German Belle Époque Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Large Meissen Porcelain Figurine Group 'Apollo & Daphne', By Juechtzer, Ca. 1860
By Christian Gottfried Juechtzer, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent large and rare Meissen figurine group from the 19th century:
Apollo clothed with a cloak embraces Daphne from behind, who is fleeing from him and has already frozen into a ...
Category
1860s German Classical Roman Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figure, 'Piedmontese Bagpiper'
By Johann Joachim Kaendler, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Basildon, GB
18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figure, Piedmontese bagpiper.
Modelled by J.J. Kändler after an engraving by Jacques Dumont, wearing a black hat with brown feather, fur-lined white...
Category
1740s German Rococo Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Exceptional Pair of Antique Meissen Porcelain Hunting Groups with Horses & Dogs
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional and quite large pair of 19th century antique Meissen porcelain hunting groups with "The Prince" and "The Princess" each riding a horse followed by a bunch of hunting d...
Category
Late 19th Century Rococo Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figures, 'Turkish / Persian Lady & Gentleman'
By Johann Joachim Kaendler, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Basildon, GB
18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figures, Turkish / Persian Lady & Gentleman. circa 1755
Both designed by Johann Joachim Kaendler, Rare and early examples of both models.
Category
1750s German Rococo Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Art Nouveau Children Group 'Two Girls', by A. Koenig, Meissen Germany, ca 1940
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Very rare Meissen Art Nouveau porcelain figure group:
Two barefoot girls in summer clothes, the older one in a green-brown skirt and white long-sleeved shirt with blue stripes, her hair pinned up in two side bunches, the younger child in a red-purple dress sitting on the ground, holding her by the arm and pulling her up.
The model is part of a series of beach motifs by Alfred König.
Based on a white round base with a relief structure on the side and a gold rim.
Very lifelike and loving representation of the characters and the details
Designer:
ALFRED KÖNIG (1871 - 1940) studied at the art academy in Dresden, since 1897 he worked in the Meissen manufactory as a designer and modeler. The artist specialized in the design of human figures in various variations, such as genre figures, children, athletes, soldiers etc.
Model B 290...
Category
1910s German Art Nouveau Vintage Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Art Nouveau Figurine Pair Snowball Thrower & Girl, A. Koenig, c 1910
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Very charming Meissen Art Nouveau porcelain figurines:
Boy in dark blue jacket, under it a brown vest, striped pants and lace-up shoes, on his head a green cap with a wide brim, a white scarf around his neck, with his right arm reaching far back to throw a snowball at the girl, with his left hand holding more prepared snowballs to his chest. The boy is supported from behind by a small toboggan and is based on round snow base.
The girl in purple flowered dress...
Category
1910s German Art Nouveau Vintage Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain figurative sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.
Meissen porcelain figurative sculptures are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of porcelain and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Meissen Porcelain figurative sculptures, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original figurative sculptures by Meissen Porcelain were created in the Rococo style in europe during the 19th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider figurative sculptures by Johann Joachim Kändler, Michel Victor Acier, and Aelteste Volkstedter Porzellanmanufaktur. Prices for Meissen Porcelain figurative sculptures can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $414 and can go as high as $95,800, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,719.
Creators Similar to Meissen Porcelain
Questions About Meissen Porcelain Figurative Sculptures
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To spot a fake Meissen, first, check the maker’s mark, generally found on the bottom of the porcelain. Meissen used a simple mark, so if you spot one that appears too embellished, it may be a fake. Shop a collection of properly vetted Meissen porcelain from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
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