Single Figurine Bird Wagtail

As early as the 1730s, the first porcelain manufactory in Europe began creating birds in porcelain-an artistic tradition significantly shaped by Johann Joachim Kaendler. His works, including commissions for the Japanese Palace in Dresden, laid the foundation for the enduring tradition of lifelike bird sculptures in Meissen porcelain that continues to this day.

Continuing in this tradition is the Wagtail figurine in Meissen porcelain, height 4.3 in. (11 cm). The wagtail is known for its striking black-and-white plumage and its long tail, which it characteristically bobs as it moves. A lively and graceful bird, it enlivens riverbanks, meadows, and gardens, symbolizing agility, lightness, and alertness.

Based on careful studies of nature, the wagtail is depicted in a typical, dynamic pose. The refined modeling of the slender body, the precise detailing of the feather pattern, and the nuanced hand-painted decoration give the figurine an impressive sense of realism.

The creation of this piece involves numerous elaborate steps-from exact mold making and careful casting to multiple firings and delicate hand-applied decoration. Each stage requires the highest level of precision and years of experience, resulting in a porcelain work of art in the long-standing tradition of Meissen craftsmanship.