Set of large Meissen figurines from the Louis XV period
An exceptional set of large Meissen figurines from the Louis XV period, featuring groups of Asian figures mounted on gilded bronze.

This set comprises three pieces: a central group and two flanking groups, all executed with the same meticulous care.

The central group depicts an Asian family inside a large pagoda-shaped pavilion resting on a curved plinth raised on four feet. This architectural structure is rendered with great attention to detail: one can observe the sinuous curves of the pillars supporting the roof, as well as the delicacy of the carved feet, and even the presence of two small movable bells and a staircase leading up to the figures, creating an accessible scene.
Inside, the family is depicted on a bed of carved flowers and leaves. A father, dressed in a robe with Indian motifs and a straw hat, stands beside the mother, who is wearing a floral kimono. They are flanked by their two children: one sitting on a stool, the other playing with a monkey at their feet. This scene, full of sensitivity, draws us into a family setting brimming with tenderness and playfulness. The presence of the monkey places the composition within the fashion for ‘singeries’ under Louis XV, adding a playful and exotic touch.

On either side, two groups of large figurines, also resting on a matching bronze plinth, depict a young woman with her two children: one on her lap, the other to her left. Their poses are similar, but they are distinguished by the patterns on their clothes, which carefully replicate the fabrics of kimonos, adorned with bright colours and delicate plant motifs. The scene is framed by a profusion of branches and leaves, chiselled with great finesse and meticulous attention to detail. Amidst these floral arabesques are two small vases shaped like budding flowers, which perfectly complement the beauty of the Louis XV style.

These three substantial groups highlight the exceptional quality of the Meissen porcelain, adorned with polychrome painting and enhanced with touches of gilding. The work displays a pronounced fondness for flowers, depicted not only on the garments but also in the form of small porcelain pieces set amongst the gilded bronze branches surrounding the figures. These plant motifs are rendered with delicacy and naturalism, thus evoking the Vincennes production of Saxon flowers from 1741 onwards.

​​​​​This composition is also characterised by a great sense of dynamism, both through the sinuous forms of its naturalistic ornamentation and through the delicate movements of the figures, who seem almost animated: the father in the central group leans backwards, raising his hands towards his family in an expressive gesture; the mother shows great affection for her children, touching the head of one and resting her cheek against the other’s; the child to the left of his mother in the side groups holds his leg aloft and appears to be moving towards the other child.

The central group is attributed to Johann Joachim Kaendler, Peter Reinicke and/or Friedrich Elias Meyer, and was probably created around 1745.
As for the side groups, they also appear to have been created by Johann Joachim Kaendler.

In the mid-18th century, these three ceramists created a series of Asian-inspired groups based on contemporary engravings from Jean Joseph Baléchou’s (1717–1764) *Les Délices de l’Enfance*, which in turn were based on works by François Boucher (1703–1770). Some of these engravings are now held at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Of these, several porcelain chinoiserie groups have been sold to date. In 2016, the auction house Koller offered a group estimated at between 11,000 and 16,000 euros.

In London, at Bonhams, two sets were sold in 2008 for 17,295.75 euros and in 2011 for 52,634.45 euros respectively.

The rarity of the items we are presenting is highlighted by several factors. Each of the sets mentioned above was sold individually, whereas we are presenting a set of three, the central one featuring a pagoda that is considerably larger, measuring 31 cm in height.

These pieces are also rare and exceptional due to their construction from Meissen porcelain, featuring Asian-inspired decoration, combined with French mountings typical of haberdashers. They are further distinguished by their high quality of craftsmanship and the absence of any restoration or breakage.

An exceptional piece from the Louis XV period, made of porcelain mounted on bronze with its original gilding.
Restoration carried out for practical purposes and maintenance.

Dimensions:
central group H 31 cm x W 20 cm x D 16 cm,
side groups H 18 cm x W 20 cm x D 14 cm