Porcelain with white glaze, polychrome paint and gilt decoration
Germany, 1900
Variation of the model by Johann Carl Schönheit form 1786 and a drawing by Johann Eleazar Zeissig called Schönau
Manufactured by the porcelain manufactory Meissen, established in 1710
Blue crossed swords mark (pommel period, 1860-1924), incised marks ‘240’ and ‘44’
Seven children with grapes and wine glasses gathered around a wine press on a naturalistic rococo base of oval shape; two children operate the wine press and a child with bottle and wine glass in hands crowns the wine press
Total height, including the base: 27 cm
Very good condition, first choice
Charming group of figures by Johann Carl Schönheit (1730-1794), who dedicated his whole life to the Meissen porcelain manufactory
Object is regular taxed. 19% VAT is added to the purchase price for deliveries within the EU.

This Meissen porcelain figural group was manufactured around 1900. This Variation referring to a model by Johann Carl Schönheit from 1786 and a drawing by Johann Eleazar Zeissig. The group shows seven children and a wine press set on a naturalistic rococo base. The charming little children in different costumes are depicted with grapes or wine glasses in hands. Two children operate the wine press. One child crowns the wine press and swings jauntily a glass and a wine bottle. This group of figures features the usual excellent Meissen quality and delights with many beautiful details.

The work is marked with the blue crossed swords mark (pommel period, 1860 -1924) and the incised marks ‘240’ and ‘44’ to the underside. It is of first choice and in very good condition, showing some tiny chips to the vine leaves. The overall height, including the base, is 27 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.