A Meissen figure of a swan with two cygnets circa 1747

modelled by J. J. Kändler and P. Reinicke, the adult female standing on a mound base moulded with reeds, one cygnet on her back, the other seated at her side, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue

Christie's London, 7th October 1985, lot 119

Very minor wear to black enamel, but otherwise in very good condition.
"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."

Small swans were delivered in July 1734 to the Japanese Palace and are listed as follows: 'an etwas defekten Porzellan / 16. St kleine Schwaane a 8gr' [somewhat defective porcelain / 16 small swans at 8 gr], but no examples are known today. In 1742-1743, Ehder and Reinicke also modelled or repaired several figures of swans (see Kunze-Köllensperger, 1999, cat. 115). The models with cygnets, the present example and lot 41, are listed in Kändler's work records for November 1747 : 'Zwey Models zu kleinen Schwanen mit Jungen ausgestellet und in gehörige positur gesetzet' [Made two models of small swans with their young and set them in appropriate pose]. Reinicke's work records for November 1747 lists: '1 Schwahn mit 2 jungen zu vorhergehenden in Thon rein bouhsirt' [modelled in clay 1 swan with 2 cygnets to go with the above]. For the model see Albiker (1959), no. 230. Swans were modelled in various sizes according to their decorative purpose. The Brühl inventory (1753) lists thirty-one swans of various sizes: '24 Große, 4 Kleine, 5 Ganz kleine' [24 large, 4 small, 5 very small], which were most likely for display as table decoration.