A rare German porcelain 'Schwarzburger Jagdtafelschmuck', after models by Otto Thiem (1876 - 1956) Schwarzburger Werkstaetten für Porzellankunst, 1910-1912

including: a three-figure group of Fürstin Anna Luise zu Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, Prince Ulrich von Schönburg-Waldenburg, Freiherr Georg von Werthern with a wild boar and a Dachshund, handwritten identification, numbered U206, signed OTTO THJEM. 1912; a four-figure group with a 14-ended stag and a hound, representing Fürst Günther zu Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt and Fürstin Thekla zu Bentheim-Tecklenburg,  numbered U205; a group of Princess Thekla of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt and two male figures with a hound, numbered U204; one figure of Oberförster Wetzel (Rathsfeld), with handwritten identification, numbered U213; one figure of Prince Karl zu Bentheim-Tecklenburg, with handwritten identification, numbered U212; one figure of  Duke Adolf Friedrich von Mecklenburg-Schwerin, numbered U216; a figure of Oberfoerster a. D. Reisland Frankenhausen, with handwritten identification, numbered U208, signed Thiem 1912; a three-figure group of Hofdame Fräulein Elisabeth von Rhoeden, Fluegeladjutant Oberstleutnant Freiherr von Jmhoff, Freiin Anna von Jmhoff and a hound, with handwritten identification and numbered U203; one three-figure group of Leibjaeger Herms, Leibjaeger Brix and a boy servant, with handwritten identification, numbered U202; a three-figure group and hound of the so-called 'Treiber' model, with handwritten identification, numbered U201; two figures of a hound sitting, numbered U207; two figures of a hound in attack, numbered U208; retaining two bases for the largest groups, four bases for the three-figure groups, four bases for the single figures and two bases for the hounds in attack

D. Marek and D. Winker, Anna Luise von Schwarzburg 1871-1951, Ein Leben in Bildern aus ihrem photographischen Nachlass, Rudolstadt, 2005, pp. 100 and 101

In overall exceptionally good condition with very few minor (glaze) chips. One rifle (of group seen in page 183 in the printed catalogue, right image) with upper section broken off but available. Another tip to rifle (of seated male, prinz Karl zu Bentheim-Tecklenburg) broken off and missing.
"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 1910 Fürstin Anna Luise von Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt (1871-1951) commissioned the Schwarzburger Werkstätten für Porzellankunst and their sculptor Otto Thiem (1876-1956) to produce a set of 18 decorative, hunting figures and groups for the 60th birthday of her husband, Fürst Günther Viktor zu Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt (1852-1925).
The figures and groups were to represent detailed portraits of members of a hunting party after a successful shoot, including intimate family members and friends but also forest officials and beaters. Since it was Fürstin Anna Luise's wish to be closely involved in the progress of the work, a special workshop for Thiem was installed at Schloss Schwarzburg. On 21 August 1912 the groups and figures, The Schwarzburger Jagdtafelschmuck, were presented to the Fürst for his birthday and exhibited on the table set for lunch in the Kaisersaal at Schloss Schwarzburg. Immediately after, the models for the pieces were stored in the Schloss and the Fürstin forbade more casts to be produced. How many examples of figures and groups were made in the end, can no longer be traced, but it is known that two complete sets were owned by the princely family.
The porcelain groups offered herewith are consigned by the heirs of the last reigning Princess of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt, and thus are of particular rarity, as they formed part of the original commission described above.        

"Günther's 60th birthday: already at 01.00 at night I congratulated Günther before we went to bed. After my early breakfast I sat down while Günther had his breakfast. Earlier I had spoken to Director Pfeiffer [the director of the Schwarzburger Werkstätten für Porzellankunst] and the sculptor Thiem, had arranged with their help the hunting groups and figures on the dining table. In the course of the afternoon Mother-in-law, Thekla and I offered Günther our presents, then the courtiers and Mr. von Wätjen arrived to congratulate him. We had our hot chocolate in the Garden Salon. Then, I decorated the groups on the dining table with oak leaves. Then some writing. For dinner also sculptor Thiem came. After dinner a game of 'sjoelbak'. Then I accompanied Günther who towards the evening left for the forest with Wätjen (...)."

(excerpt from Fürstin Anna Luise's diary, dated Wednesday 21 August 1912)