Vintage Immortal Figures with Silver Inlay, Set of Two

A pair of vintage solid stone court attendants. Of tall slender form, wearing long flowing robes flaring at the bottom with hands within wide, decorative cuffs. The realistically mod...

A pair of 20th century solid stone court lady statues. The full face is with long slender eyes under arched brows flanking a strong straight nose. Hair held...

Called ‘pagode’ (or pagoda) figures, these Meissen Porcelain models are based on the sculptures of deities found in pagoda temples in the Far East. Meissen began to produce these kinds of porcelain figures in the early 18th century, prompted by the demand for the Far Eastern ‘pagodes’ being imported into Europe at this time. The Meissen factory in Germany was founded in 1709 and was the first producer of true porcelain wares in Europe. The company’s main patron was Augustus II the Strong, the Elector of Saxony and King of Poland. Meissen was, and continues to be, famous for its tableware, vases, candelabra, animal sculptures and figures, like this pair, which were often graceful and light-hearted in character. These models feature the Meissen mark of the two blue crossed swords on their undersides. These porcelain models take the form of a Chinese couple...

Despite their muscular frames and fearsome expressions, these petite stone beasts are actually the benevolent creatures known as qilin. Also known as kirin or Chinese unicorns...