Pair of cats
Meissen Porcelain Factory
Category
Ceramics
Date
1736 - 1740
Materials
hard paste porcelain
Place of origin
Meissen
Order this imageCollection
Saltram, Devon
NT 870950
Summary
Pair of crouching cats produced at the Meissen factory . Both modelled without bases and decorated in polychrome enamel. One has a trace of blue on the base which may be a maker or factory mark. The Saltram Collection (1967): No 257T, p.59
Full description
The Meissen factory in Germany was the first in Europe to produce hard paste porcelain akin to the Chinese in 1710. The brilliant white translucency of Chinese porcelain was highly sought after in Europe but its recipe was a closely guarded secret. Early experimentation into the materials and techniques for producing porcelain was undertaken by Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus, financed by Augustus the Strong, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony. After Tschirnhaus’ death, Johann Fridrich Böttger continued the work, establishing the Meissen factory in 1710. The factory attracted the very finest artisans and sculptors, and it soon became Europe’s leading manufacturer, setting standards for style and innovation. The influence of Meissen is evident in the products of numerous other factories. In some cases, models were directly copied with little alteration. The famous ‘crossed sword’ mark of Meissen (used from about 1720) was also frequently copied on other porcelains.This pair of cats, or kittens, were made circa 1736-1740 by the Meissen factory's chief modeller,Johann Joachim Kandler (1706-75).
Provenance
At Saltram by 1951 and accepted by HM Treasury in lieu of full payment of Estate Duty from the Executors of Edmund Robert Parker (1877-1951), 4th Earl of Morley
Makers and roles
Meissen Porcelain Factory, manufacturer
References
treasure houses of Britain : 1985., p.460 The Saltram Collection (1967):, No 256T,p. 59