Porcelain, glazed and with polychrome paint and gold etching
Meissen, Germany, pommel period 1860-1924
Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, established in 1710
Designed by J. J. Kaendler around 1760, model number 1347
Underglaze blue crossed swords mark, incised model number ‘1347’ and pressed number ‘42’
Reproduction of a uniformed soldier of the Saxonian ‘Leibgrenadier Garde’, between 1756 and 1763
Overall height (including the plinth): 12.5 cm
Very good condition
Rare porcelain figurine of a 24-part series of soldiers, initially commissioned by the Saxon Court as a present for Czar Peter the Great; variants of the figurine reveal more buttons on the uniform

The present porcelain figure is marked with the underglaze blue crossed swords mark from 1860 to 1924 and is based on a design by J. J. Kaendler, dating back to 1760. It is a reproduction of a soldier of the ‘Leibgrenadier Garde’ of the Electorate of Saxony (1756-63), posing on a natural base with a tree stump. The soldier’s uniform comprises a red jacket with yellow sleeves and trousers, combined with white gaiters. The head bears the Prussian Grenadier cap, identifying the soldier as a member of the II Battalion. The cap is decorated with the gold etched crest of the Electorate of Saxony at the front. The soldier’s weapons eventually include a brown musket and a curved saber.



The porcelain figurine shows the underglaze blue crossed swords mark, the incised model number ‘1347’ and the pressed number ‘42’ on the underside. It is in very good condition considering its age. The figure measures, including the plinth, 12.5 cm in height.



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. (cbo)

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