A Meissen figure of a cockatoo circa 1737

modelled by J. F. Eberlein, perched on a tree stump applied with leaves, its beak open revealing its tongue, faint crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue. 

The Lesley and Emma Sheafer Collection, Bequest of Emma A. Sheafer, 1973

Sotheby's Scientific Research department used noninvasive XRF for this lot to screen the green enamel for chromium, which was not detected. Its head, crest and beak are all extensively restored, covering breaks. Both his wings are also restored; the restoration is old and has flaked at the edge of its left wing. Its right front two talons are restored. The stump has restoration to all applied leaves, a few of which have been further chipped away. There are two restored areas on the edge of base, covering flat chips, one of which has been partially flaked revealing the chipped area.
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.

Kändler first made a life-size model of a cockatoo for the Japanese palace in June and September 1734, beautifully described as follows: 'Noch einen Vogel von Ziemlicher Größe, Nahmens Kackedu hat eine sonderliche Von Natur gewachsene Haube auf seinem Kopfe Wes Wegen er sehr artig anzusehen und ruhet auf einem mit Ästen und Laub bewachsenen Postamente' [Another bird of suitable size called Cockatoo has a special cap on his head which is grown by nature. Therefore he is magnificent to behold and rests on a pedestal covered with grass and foliage]. An example is in the Dresden State Art Collections is illustrated in Ulrich Pietsch, Die figürliche Meißner Porzellanplastik von Gottlieb Kirchner und Johann Joachim Kändler, fig. 279. 
The present model is the smaller version and was modelled by J. F. Eberlein in June 1737 'Eine Cactu, eine halbe Ellen groß von Thon neugemacht' [A cockatoo, half an Elle high, newly made in clay]. This was most probably realized to create models for the factory to sell on the open market.

A similar figure of cockatoo is illustrated in Ute Däberitz and Martin Eberle, Das Weiße Gold, Die Sammlung Meissener Porzellan des 18. Jahrhunderts auf Schloss Friedenstein Gotha, p. 82, fig. 76. 

A pair of similar examples with contemporary ormolu mounts was sold at Sotheby's London, 20 May 1958, lot 144, and another was in the Collection of Laurance S. Rockefeller, sold at Sotheby's New York, 2005, lot 195. Another similar figure of a cockatoo from the Collection of Sir Gawaine & Lady Baillie was sold at Sotheby's London, May 1, 2013, lot 87.

Sotheby's Scientific Research department used noninvasive XRF for this lot to screen the green enamel for chromium, which was not detected.