- 32
A very rare Meissen Bottger-Stoneware head of a Balinese woman circa 1926-34
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- incised crossed swords and dot and model number A. 1133, impressed 'BOTTGER/ STEINZEUG' and former's number 131, incised paste composition number S(?)330x
- 30cm., 11 3/4 in.
modelled by Wili Münch-Khe, wearing a jewelled headband and earrings, her head slightly raised, the details finely polished, moulded signature 'W. MCH-KHE' to one side of base
Condition
There is a miniscule flat chip (1mm) to the top edge of her top lip, below her right nostril (possibly a firing fault). There is a miniscule flat chip (1mm) to the edge of the moulded collar at the rear, about 1.5cm up from the base on her left side.
Otherwise in good condition.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Willi Münch-Khe (1885-1961) was a student of Hans Thoma and made some models in Karlsruhe majolica, before being appointed as a painter at the Meissen manufactory for a short time in 1912-13. After the First World War he designed models for Karlsruhe majolica, Rosenthal, Villeroy and Boch as well as Meissen. The bust of the Balinese woman was modelled during the winter of 1925-26 and was initially executed in Böttger stoneware and white porcelain, though the former was judged to be more successful and, by early 1928, it was produced only in stoneware. See Caren Marusch-Krohn, Meissener Porzellan 1918-1933: Die Pfeifferzeit, no.110, for the example in the Schauhalle of the Meissen manufactory.