A MEISSEN PORCELAIN FIGURE OF A ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET CIRCA 1731

probably modelled by Johann Gotlieb Kirchner, enamelled with turquoise plumage and a puce feathered collar, perched on a high stump emerging from a rockwork base; AR mark for Augustus Rex in blue.

Christie's London, June 30, 1980, lot 347, illustrated
Christie's London, December 3, 1984, lot 153, illustrated

the bird has been broken off above its talons and through lower parts of his wings and restored back. There is restoration to the end of his tail and some restoration to the beak. There are extended firing cracks and minor hair cracks to the base.
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.

Samuel Wittwer illustrates a similar parakeet in The Gallery of Meissen Animals, p. 124, no. 127 and p. 346, where he attributes the modeller as Johann Gottlieb Kirchner based on similarities to the modelling of the Pied Wagtail, a proven Kirchner model. He discusses the deliveries of both the gray parrot and the rose-ringed parakeet to the Japanese Palace from 1731 to 1736, noting that the records do not seem to make a distinction between the parrots and the parakeets. Today, the Dresden porcelain collection holds four examples of the present parakeets. Another similar example is illustrated by Carl Albiker, Die Meissner Porzellantiere, (1935), pl. XXIV, figs. 90-91 and by Ulrich Pietsch, Meißner Porzellanplastik von Gottlieb Kirchner und Johann Joachim Kändler, p.138, cat. no. 199. A similar model with closed wings is illustrated by  Ingelore Menzhausen and Jürgen Karpinski, Alt-Meißner Porzellan in Dresden, cat. no. 94.