TWO MODELS OF SMALL SWANS Meissen, models by Johann... Lot 1049

TWO MODELS OF SMALL SWANS Meissen, models by Johann Joachim Kändler and Peter Reinicke, probably around 1747. Sitting on different bases, one modelled on a curved grass base, the other on a white base with tufts of grass. One model with traces of a blue sword mark on the unglazed base. H 13 cm. Minor restorations Comparison pieces: M. Cassidy Geiger, The Arnhold Collection of Meissen Porcelain, 2008,p. 273 cat. No.59; Sir Gawaine & Lady Baillie Collection, Sotheby's London auction, 1. 5. 2013, lots 39-44. Swans survive in a variety of models and sizes. In the inventory of 1753 of the confectionery at Pförten Castle, ancestral home of Count Heinrich von Brühl, the manufactory director and patron of the legendary swan service, 31 swans of various sizes were listed, "Cap.20 An Feder Viehe 24 Grosse Schwane, 4 Kleine dgl. 5 Ganz kleine dgl.", which were evidently kept there as ornaments for the dessert table (Pietsch 2006, p.234).