Porcelain with glaze and polychrome paint
Germany, second half of the 19th century
Design by Johann Joachim Kändler for King August III., dated 1744
Meissen porcelain factory, model number 1073
Blue crossed swords mark, incised number ‘1073’ and impressed number ‘55’ to the underside
Naturalistic reclining lion with light brown fur, flowing mane and fine whiskers
Dimensions: approx. 20.5 x 31 x 8 cm
Very good condition, first choice
Expressive figure by Johann Kändler, one of the most important modelers of the Meissen porcelain factory

His love of art brought lasting fame to the King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, August III. The present lion was designed for the King by the Meissner porcelain modeler Johann Joachim Kändler (1706-1775) in 1744. He quoted in his taxa (1740-1748): ‘ 1 Löwe, mittelmäßiger Grösse, liegend mit offenem Rachen, vor Ihro Königl. Maj‘ [1 reclining lion of medium size with open jaw, presented to the King].

The modeler has devoted special attention to the flowing mane of the animal that has been executed in detail. The face with the meticulously painted whiskers, the watchful eyes, the open mouth with modeled teeth and the powerful claws are also particularly striking in this fine piece.

The figure is marked with the blue crossed swords mark, the incised number 1073 and the impressed number 55 to the underside. It is of first choice and in very good condition, showing some minor nicks to the claws. The dimensions are approximately 20.5 x 31 x 8 cm.

Meissen

Porcelain has been known in Europe since the 13th Century, but always had to be imported from China. Thus it was mostly of lower quality – the Chinese rarely gave their best ware to the foreigners – and extremely expensive. Europeans tried to copy Chinese porcelain for centuries but only in 1708 managed to create real porcelain – in Meissen. The manufacturer’s brand, the crossed swords in blue, has been in use since 1722 and is still a guarantee for the porcelain’s high quality. Meissen celebrated its 300 years of existence in 2008. Quality has always been the number one criteria for Meissen and the company goes as far as to have its own mine to win the needed kaolin from, also known as china clay, for production. It takes several years to reach the degree of a ‘master painter’ in Meissen but judging by the quality of the painting, it is definitely worth it.

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