AN ASSEMBLED PAIR OF MEISSEN SWANS MOUNTED IN ORMOLU AS CANDELABRA THE PORCELAIN CIRCA 1750-60, THE ORMOLU CIRCA 1765-1770

modelled by Johann Joachim Kändler, each resting on a mound amidst reeds and bullrushes, mounted on a footed shaped ormolu base cast with a berried laurel wreath and fitted with a three-branch foliate scrollwork candelabra.

Swan on the right in catalogue illustration: Restoration around lower body covering a crack running up from the base where the wing joins the body on both sides; several areas of loss and restoration to the bullrushes and leaves. Swan on the left in catalogue illustration: Broken through the neck and head; restored back; oversprayed on the right wing which appears to have been broken off and restored back; restoration to bullrushes and leaves.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

These models of the mute swan, native to Europe and Asia, are recorded as having been worked on by Kändler with the assistance of Peter Reinicke in November 1747.  They were made in three sizes, of which the present examples are the smallest, and remained popular into the 19th century.

A pair of swans of this model in the largest size is illustrated by Carl Albiker, Die Meissener Porzellantiere, (1939 edition), pl., XXXIV, nos. 143 an 144. Swans in the middle size are illustrated by Carl Christian Dauterman, The Wrightsman Collection, Vol. IV, pp 81 and 83, nos. 36 A, B and 37 A, B, where the author also illustrates a pair in the present, smallest size on p. 85, no. 38 A, B.   Another pair in the present size is illustrated by Rainer Rückert, Meissener Porzellan, pl. 275, nos. 1117 and 1118. A similar pair of swans of this size, Property from the Collection of William S. Paley, was sold in these rooms, October 4, 1991, lot 1991, and a pair of the middle-sized swans mounted on ormolu bases, Property from the Estate of Laurance S. Rockefeller, sold in these rooms, October 11, 2005, lot 211.