Porcelain with white glaze, polychrome paint and gilt decoration
Germany, circa 1900
Based on a model by Michel Victor Acier from 1770/75, after drawings by Johann Eleazar Zeissig called Schönau (Modell-No. 61274, old Form-No.12)
Produced by the porcelain manufactory Meissen, established in 1710
Blue crossed swords mark (pommel period, 1860-1924), impressed mark ‘70’, scratch mark ‘J.2’ to the underside
‘Vintage’ with five children surrounding a large barrel with cover, some figures with lute, pannier, glass, grapes or symphonia
Two more figures sitting on grapes on the barrel’s top
Round and arched base with ornamental relief border
Total height, including the base: 33 cm
Very good condition, first choice
Richly decorated large porcelain figure group by the famous Royal Saxon model master Michel Victor Acier
Object is regular taxed. 19% VAT is added to the purchase price for deliveries within the EU.

This large Meissen porcelain figural group was manufactured around 1900 referring to a model by Michel Victor Acier (dated 1770/75) and drawings by Johann Eleazar Zeissig (1737-1806). Acier (1736-1799) studied at the Paris Académie Royale and was responsible for the artistic direction of the Meissen porcelain factory after Johann Joachim Kändler from 1775. This richly decorated figural group shows five children who are placed around a wine barrel on a naturalistic base with ornamental relief border. The figures delight with their different clothes and utensils such as panniers, grapes and instruments. On the lid covered with grapes, there are two more children who stomp the grapes. The superbly crafted figural group offers countless beautiful details, such as the boy seated on a wine barrel, holding a pannier and a wine glass in his hands, or the little boy, who climbs up the barrel on a ladder, a pannier with grapes on his back. The paintings on the barrels and the costumes are of outstanding quality.

The porcelain figural group is marked with the blue crossed swords mark (pommel period, from 1860 to 1924), the impressed mark ‘70’ and the incised mark ‘J.2’ to the underside. It is of first choice and in very good condition, showing only a few minimal nicks and small restorations. The overall height, including the base, is 33 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 the 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 high quality of the porcelain. Meissen celebrated its 300 years of existence in 2008. Quality has always been the number one criteria for Meissen and they go as far as having their own mine to win the needed kaolin, also known as china clay, for the 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.

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.