A PAIR OF MEISSEN PUGS CIRCA 1745

modelled by Johann Joachim Kändler and Peter Reinicke, each modelled seated on a low oval base applied with flowers, the bitch with a suckling pup, crossed swords marks in underglaze-blue. Together with a smaller Continental porcelain figure of a seated pug. 3 pieces.

The female pug with the bitch: Her tail is restored, possibly covering a break. Her left hind leg is restored just behind her paw. There is an extended haircrack initiated from the hole on the base running across the base in both directions and upwards, ending just above her hind legs. One edge of the bow behind her collar is restored. There is a miniscule chip to the edge of her right ear. Finally there are some occasional and very minor restored and unrestored chips to the applied leaves or flowers on the base. Male pug: His tail has been off and restored back on. Both his ears have small restored areas at the back. There is a very miniscule chip to the top of his left ear, which is hardly noticeable. There is an approximate 5-inch haircrack running across the base and upwards in both directions, stopping at his hind feet. There are some occasional and very minor restored and unrestored chips to the applied leaves or flowers on the base. Continental seated pug: His left hind leg is restored.
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.

A similar pair of pugs is illustrated by Rainer Rückert in Meissener Porzellan, pl. 268, nos. 1091 and 1092, where the author cites on p. 194 the entry in Kändler's work records for June of 1744: "2 neue Mopss Hunde auf einem Rasen sitzend, angefangen zu poussieren und selbigen die gehörige Action und Gestalt gegeben, welche hernach dem Bildhauer Reinicjen vollends fertigen lassen" (2 new pug dogs similarly modelled as a pair facing one another and seated on a lawn, the figures of which Reinicke can complete); and in December of the same year, describes the pug with puppy: "Annoch 1 Mopsshündin von voriger Grosse (i.e. der Rüde), welche ein jung Hündgen bei sich hat, das sauget, sitzet ebenfalls auf einem Rasen, aufs sauberste auspoussiert" (The female pug of the aforementioned size with a suckling puppy, also seated on a lawn, cleanly executed).

A similar pair from the Collection of Alice and Murray Braunfeld  was sold in these rooms, May 21, 2004, lot 224.