A pair of Meissen Indian rose-ringed parrots circa 1741

modelled by J. J. Kändler, one with a lump of sugar held in its raised claw, the other with a cherry in its beak, on tall rock and tree-stump bases (base of one reduced, some restoration)

Collection of Baroness Renée de Becker, bearing a paper label inscribed Mrs. R. de Becker, S.L.4337.4
Olive, Lady Baillie, Lowndes House, London (dining room), acquired from Rosenberg, 13th October 1958

Parrot with sugar: base reduced, repair of area of leg, claws, end of tail and end of beak, some repainting to back of head, restoration to leaves (14) and one cherry Parrot with cherry: typical minor chips and one leaf 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. 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."

Kändler's work records, June 1741 : '17. Vor Ihro Excellenz die Frau Gräfin Von Moschinska einen Indianischen Vogel in Ziemlicher Größ in dero Logis nach dem Leben in Thon poussiret, und solche gestalt vorgestellet wie er auf einem Kirsch ast seitzet und ein Stücklein Zucker aus der Pfote frißt' [For her Excellency, the Countess von Moschinska modelled an Indian bird of suitable size in clay after life at her residence, and this figure is presented as if he is perched on a cherry branch and is eating a lump of sugar from his claw].

Similar pairs are illustrated by Dauterman (1970) Vol. IV, pp. 45, 47 and 49, cat nos. 16A, B and 17A, B, the first pair, later sold in the Safra sale, Sotheby's New York, 19th October 2011, lot 758. Another similar pair was sold at Sotheby's New York, 26th October 2012, lot 248

Examples of the parakeet with the lump of sugar are illustrated by Albiker (1959 edition), no. 101; by Karl Berling, Meissen China, An Illustrated History, Table 4, no. 2; and by Hackebroch (1966), pl. 8, fig. 7.

Interestingly, the pair most commonly appearing includes a parrot without a cherry in its beak. However, figures with a cherry, similar to the present example, are illustrated in '77 Meissner Pozellanvögel und Franzosisches Kunstgewerbe aus einer Bekannten Privatsammlung', sold by Herman Ball and Paul Graupe in Berlin 15th March 1933, lot 24, pl. 11, and by Albiker (1935), pl. XXVI, no. 89; another example is in the Dresden State Art Collections, see Pietsch (2006), fig. 300.