Period: 18th Century
Style: Rococo Style
Material: Porcelain, 24K Gilt Gold
Origin: Royal Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, Germany (Founded 1710 – Present)
Description
This Meissen porcelain figurine of a trumpet-playing monkey is one of the iconic pieces from the renowned Meissen Monkey Band. Designed in the 18th century by the celebrated Meissen porcelain sculptor Johann Joachim K?ndler, this classic artistic figure depicts a monkey musician wearing a powdered wig and elaborate 18th?century Rococo court attire, playing the trumpet, with selective accents highlighted in 24K gilded decoration.
The piece may be displayed and collected individually, or cherished as part of a complete assembled set of the entire Monkey Band ensemble.
Founded in 1710 by Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony, in Dresden, the Royal Meissen Porcelain Manufactory was relocated to Albrechtsburg Castle in Meissen in the same year to safeguard its exclusive porcelain-making formulas and craftsmanship secrets.
In its early years, Meissen devoted itself to the imitation of Chinese and Japanese porcelain wares, particularly Japanese Imari and Kakiemon polychrome porcelain, achieving craftsmanship so refined it was nearly indistinguishable from original antiques. Nonetheless, it is Meissen’s distinct Rococo-style porcelain sculptures that secured its standing as Europe’s preeminent porcelain manufactory.
Master ceramic artisans meticulously modelled figures, flowers, birds and beasts from fine kaolin clay, then finished them with rich polychrome glazes. Meissen’s craftsmen artfully blend the subtle elegance of Oriental aesthetics with the opulent splendour of Western decorative art, creating unique artistic charm and earning Meissen the prestigious title of Europe’s Finest Porcelain.
Since the era of the Duchy of Saxony, Meissen porcelain has long been revered for its refined design and fully handmade craftsmanship. Highly sought after by European royalty, nobility, celebrities and statesmen, its value has always been comparable to pure gold.
Boasting nearly three centuries of European ceramic heritage, each Meissen piece is handcrafted through more than 80 intricate procedures. All pigments are produced from confidential proprietary formulas, strictly guarded by the manufactory’s pigment laboratory for exclusive internal use. Adhering to exquisite workmanship, elegant contours and fluid lines, every Meissen work embodies consummate craftsmanship and profound artistic attainment.
To this day, Meissen remains a symbol of elite taste and noble status in Germany. Its stylistic influence spans the entire European porcelain industry, making Meissen well-deservedly known as the Platinum of European Porcelain.
The iconic Meissen blue crossed swords hallmark is an essential reference for dating porcelain works, derived from the heraldic insignia of the Elector of Saxony, symbolizing supreme imperial authority.