Pair of large of antique Meissen porcelain models of magpies

After the model by J.J. Kändler, each of these superb magpies is perched on a naturalistic tree stump base applied with foliage, their tails raised and squawking, with black and white body and green, blue and brown highlights, with under-glaze blue crossed sword marks to undersides and incised 62a and 62b.

The production at Meissen, near Dresden in Germany, started in 1710. The first pieces produced by Meissen were red stoneware, known as Böttger stoneware, and first sold at the Leipzig Easter Fair. It was only from 1713 that true Meissen porcelain began to take the place of this stoneware. The artistic influence of the designer J.J. Kändler and the painter J.J. Hoeroldt, formed the unique team that initiated the creation of delicate and fine wares, and Meissen gained a reputation for quality equal to that of the very finest Chinese porcelain in production at the time.

These superb works depict the birds with a fantastic vitality and energy. The choice of composition, with upturned tails and forward and down facing beaks and heads gives them a great naturalistic presence, combined with the pale and well-crafted bases, which gives them an outstanding finish and impact.