Cupid With Basket

This striking Meissen porcelain figure shows Amor, the god of love, in an unusually pensive and disappointed moment: holding a basket in one hand, with a quiver full of arrows slung over his shoulder, he thoughtfully runs his fingers through his hair. The basket symbolizes romantic rejection-commonly referred to in German as "einen Korb bekommen"-making the figure a powerful representation of unrequited love and heartbreak. His pose evokes a mood of resignation and inner conflict-a symbol of the inevitable disappointments and challenges that often accompany love.

The design comes from Heinrich Schwabe, one of the most important modelers of the Meissen porcelain manufactory at the end of the 19th century. Schwabe was renowned for his ability to express complex emotions and psychological nuance in his figures. With "Disappointed Amor," he offers a poignant portrayal of the vulnerable side of the god of love-one that goes far beyond the classical ideal of romantic perfection.

The figure, "Amor with Basket," is crafted from the finest Meissen porcelain and traditionally hand-painted. Every detail-from the delicately modeled gesture to the carefully sculpted expression-reflects the highest level of craftsmanship. At 20 cm tall, this miniature is both a technical masterpiece and a work of art rich in emotional depth.

At the Meissen manufactory, such intricate figures are meticulously assembled by skilled Bossierer from numerous individually cast porcelain parts. They are then refined using specialized tools to bring life, movement, and expression into each sculpture. The result is a miniature artwork that combines technical precision with narrative power-inviting viewers on an emotional journey through the many facets of love.