A PAIR OF MEISSEN PORCELAIN ORMOLU-MOUNTED FIGURES OF GOLDEN ORIOLES THE PORCELAIN CIRCA 1750, THE ORMOLU LATER

each brightly colored bird modelled perched on the leafy stump of a cherry tree and mounted on an ormolu foliate scrollwork base, crossed swords marks in underglaze-blue.

Christie's New York, Property of a Collector, April 6, 1981, lot 226, illustrated
Christie's New York, The Property of a Lady, April 27, 1984, lot 201, illustrated

Please note: the porcelain has not been examined beneath the mounts. The beaks of both birds are restored and there is some restoration to the applied leaves and stems. Both wing tips of the bird with closed wings are restored and its tail has been broken off and restored back.
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's original model for the oriole is listed in his work records of July, 1733, "Einen Vogel mon Mittel Größe, eine Bier Eule genant auf einem Postament sitzend" ("A middle-sized bird called a 'Bier Eule [Pirol] sitting on a pedestal"); and March, 1734, "Einen Vogel von mittel mäßiger Größe gerfertiget welcher eine Bier Eule gennannt wird" ("A middle sized bird which is called a 'Bier Eule [Pirol]"). This model was then subsequently reworked by both Ehder in 1740 and 1741 and by Reinicke in 1747. A similar pair of orioles, one with beak open and wings "hanging," the other with wings closed, is illustrated by Carl Albiker, Die Meissener Porzelantiere, pl. XXIX, no. 112 (right); and by Rainer Rückert, Meissener Porzellan, 1710-1810, col. pl. XXX.