A Meissen group of a bison attacked by three hounds circa 1758

modelled by J. J. Kändler, the grey and white bison standing with head lowered, being attacked bty three savage dogs, their fur picked out in brown and shades of grey, raised on an oval mound base applied with flowers and leaves, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue (some restoration)

Sotheby's London, 7th October 1986, lot 258

Bison- restoration to tail, left horn and left ear. Restoration to neck. Dog at rear of group- restoration to tail and to left hind leg. Dog in front of group- restoration to tail and to hind legs. Dog at head of group- restoratin to tail, left hind leg and ears. Overall minor losss to flowers and leaves.
"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."

This model exists in another version and the two have been often offered for sale as a pair together, see Sotheby's New York, 16 November 1984, lot 122; Sotheby's London, 24 May 2006, lot 26; and Sotheby's London, 5 June 2007, lot 29. These models are referred to in Kändler's work records for April and May 1741, as follows: 'Ein mit 3 Hunden kämpfender Auer Ochße' [One bison fighting with 3 dogs], and in his Taxa, 1740-1748: 'mit 3 Hunden kämpffender Stier oder Ochse, in grimminger action vorgestellet' [1 bull or ox fighting with 3 dogs, depicted in furious action]. Count von Brühl also owned all the various hunting groups modelled by Kändler, including three examples of this model, which are lised in the 1753 inventory.