Offered by Galerie Gilles Linossier
An exceptional set of large Louis XV-period Meissen figures featuring groups of Asian figures, mounted on gilt bronze.
The set comprises three pieces, a central group and two flanking ones, all executed with equal care.
The central group depicts an Asian family within a large pagoda-style pavilion resting on a curved base raised on four feet. This architectural structure is rendered with meticulous attention to detail: one notes the sinuous lines of the roof-supporting pillars, the delicate carving of the feet, and even the inclusion of two small movable bells and a staircase leading up to the figures, creating the effect of an accessible stage.
Inside, the family is depicted amidst a bed of sculpted flowers and foliage. A father, dressed in a robe with Indian-style patterns and a straw hat, stands beside the mother, who wears a floral kimono. They flank their two children: one seated on a stool, the other playing with a monkey at their feet. This tender scene offers a glimpse into a moment of family intimacy, filled with affection and playfulness. The inclusion of the monkey places the composition within the Louis XV-era vogue for "singeries", adding a playful, exotic touch.
Flanking the center are two groups of large figures, each resting on a matching bronze base, depicting a young woman with her two children: one on her lap and the other to her left. While their poses are similar, the figures are distinguished by the patterns of their garments, which meticulously replicate kimono fabrics adorned with vibrant colors and delicate floral motifs. The scene is framed by an array of finely chased branches and leaves, executed with great attention to detail. Nestled amidst these floral arabesques are two candle sockets shaped like blossoming flower buds, perfectly complementing the Louis XV style.
These three substantial groups showcase the exceptional quality of Meissen porcelain, featuring polychrome painting and gilded accents. They reflect a strong affinity for floral themes, which appear not only on the figures' clothing but also as small porcelain blossoms attached to the gilt-bronze branches surrounding them. These botanical elements are rendered with delicacy and naturalism, evoking the "Saxe flowers" produced at Vincennes starting in 1741.
The composition is also imbued with great dynamism, driven both by the sinuous forms of the naturalistic ornamentation and by the delicate, almost lifelike movements of the figures: the father in the central group leans backward, raising his hands toward his family in an expressive gesture; the mother displays deep affection for her children, touching one’s head while resting her cheek against the other’s; and the child to the mother's left in the flanking groups stands with one leg raised, appearing to move toward the other child.
The central group is attributed to Johann Joachim Kaendler, Peter Reinicke, and/or Friedrich Elias Meyer; it was likely created around 1745. The side groups also appear to be the work of Johann Joachim Kaendler.
Around the mid-18th century, these three ceramicists created a series of Asian-themed groups inspired by contemporary engravings from the *Délices de l'Enfance* series by Jean-Joseph Baléchou (1717–1764), which were themselves based on designs by François Boucher (1703–1770). Some of these engravings are currently held in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Several of these *chinoiserie* porcelain groups have been sold to date. In 2016, the auction house Koller offered a group with an estimated value of approximately €11,000 to €16,000.
In London, Bonhams sold two such groups: one in 2008 for €17,295.75 and another in 2011 for €52,634.45.
The rarity of the set presented here is highlighted by several factors. While the previously mentioned groups were sold individually, we are presenting a set of three groups—with the central pagoda group being significantly larger, standing 31 cm high.
These pieces are also rare and exceptional due to their Meissen porcelain craftsmanship and Asian-inspired decoration, combined with French mounts supplied by *marchands-merciers* (luxury goods dealers). They are further distinguished by their superb execution and the absence of any breaks or restorations.
An exceptional Louis XV period work featuring porcelain mounted in bronze with its original gilding.
Includes standard restoration associated with age and maintenance.
Dimensions:
central item H 31 cm x W 20 cm x D 16 cm,
side item H 18 cm x W 20 cm x D 14 cm
