AN ASSEMBLED PAIR OF MEISSEN PORCELAIN FIGURES OF COCKATOOS THE PORCELAIN 1740-45, THE ORMOLU LATER

modelled by Johann Friedrich Eberlein, each brightly colored and crested bird perched on a short leafy tree stump, one applied with three toadstools, and mounted on a foliate scrollwork ormolu base.

Christie's, London, Property of a Nobleman, July 6, 1981, lot 193, illustrated

Please note: the porcelain has not been examined beneath the mounts. Bird with wings closed: the front portion of the crest is restored, the area of restoration incorporating two feathers; the tip of one wing is restored; the edge of the other near the tip has a small restored chip related to the restoration of the first wing; and the tail has been broken off and restored back. The tip of one talon is chipped and there are further minor chips to the applied leaves of the tree stump.
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.

Eberlein's work records for June 1737 list: "Einen Cacatu, eine halbe Ellen gross von Thon neugemacht" [A cockatoo, half an Elle high, newly made in clay].  A pair of the same form as the present examples is illustrated by Carl Dauterman, The Wrightsman Collection, Vol. IV, p. 29, nos. 7A, B,  who notes that this model should not be confused with the pair of cockatoos modelled by Kändler for the Japanese Palace in 1734, which are larger at 35 cm (13 3/4  in.) high and which sit on taller stumps, both of the birds with their wings closed. Two examples of the earlier and more rare form are illustrated by Carl Albiker, Die Meissner Porzellantiere, (1959), nos. 99 and 100.

A pair of cockatoos very similarly colored to the present examples and mounted on later ormolu bases, from the Estate of Laurence S. Rockefeller, were sold in these rooms, October 11, 2005, lot 195; other similar pairs were sold at Christie's, London, October 7, 1996, lot 461 (unmounted). A single example, from the Estate of Henry Ford III, Henley, Oxfordshire, was sold at Sotheby's, London, December 5, 1988, lot 219. A pair colored in a predominantly yellow, green and orange palette, from the Engelhard Collection was sold at Christie's, New York, March 18, 2005, lot 32.