A Meissen figure of a green parrot circa 1740

modelled by Johann Joachim Kändler, facing left perched on low tree stump applied with green and yellow leaves, 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. There are small areas around its neck, back of his wings and tail that have some retouching to the green enamel, possibly covering firing faults or flakings. One of its feet has restoration to its ankle and the other has a small restored area where of the claws meets its ankle.
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Between May and October of 1740, Kändler modelled new figures of parrots to match the larger examples modelled earlier, circa 1735, 'in considerable size', ie. 19cm, the size of the present model: 
'1: Einen Pappagoy in Thon poußiret große Sorte Vor Mons. Huiet. Daß solcher gegen den ehemals Von mir gefertigeten Pappagoy siehet.' [Modelled a large parrot in clay for Mons. Huet (Jean-Charles Huet, marchand-mercier). That this one is looking against the former model completed by me.]
'3: Zwey Pappagoyen Von Ziemlicher Größe auf einem großen Ast sietzend in Thon Poußiret Vor Mons. Huiet. Zwar daß solche gegen einander sehen.' [3: modelled in clay two parrots of suitable size, seated on a big branch for Mons. Huet. Namely, they are facing each other.]
'2. Zwey Pappagoyen Von Ziemlicher Größe aufs Waaren Laager in Thon poußiret und Sauberes Belege Zu deßen postamente gefertiget. Von zweyerley Arth.' [2: modelled in clay two parrots of suitable size for the warehouse and completed clean supports for their pedestals. Of two types.]

The lack of description in the work records seems to indicate that these birds were a generic type of parrot modelled by Kändler, with only variations in the enamels and the modeling of the tree stumps.

Similar examples from the Collection of Sir Gawaine & Lady Baillie were sold in Sotheby's London, May 1, 2013, lots 80-83.

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