Meissen Porcelain Monkey Centerpiece, Modeled by Max Esser from “Reineke Fuchs”

Description

An Incredible and Extremely Rare Meissen Monkey Centerpiece, Modeled by Max Esser, from the “Reineke Fuchs” Series. The centerpiece is composed of four adjoining oval compartments arranged around a raised central element and executed in white glazed porcelain with restrained gilt decoration. The rims and molded borders are outlined in gilt, while the lower edge is formed with a scalloped profile resting on small supports. Four modeled monkey figures are positioned individually around the perimeter, seated upon applied branch and leaf forms projecting from the rim. Each monkey is rendered in a distinct pose with modeled facial features, textured fur, and red and black enamel highlights to the face, hands, and extremities. The central element is formed as a bell shaped jardinière or vase, set upon a raised and curvilinear pedestal. It is fitted with an upward spreading pierced cover formed with rounded openwork apertures and surmounted by a sculptural heron perched upon a branch finial rising from modeled foliage. The surface decoration remains largely monochrome, with selective gilt accents and restrained enamel details emphasizing the sculptural modeling. This centerpiece is a Meissen porcelain model designed by Max Esser, identified as Model Number H 214 and modeled in 1922 as part of the Reineke Fuchs centerpiece program. The underside bears an incised mark reading “M. Esser” together with an incised numeral, providing identification of the model design and confirming Esser’s association with the composition. Max Esser was known for sculptural porcelain models depicting animals and natural subjects, and his work for Meissen frequently incorporated modeled fauna and elaborate table ornaments of substantial scale. This piece forms part of Max Esser’s celebrated “Reineke Fuchs” table centerpiece ensemble for Meissen, a monumental decorative program designed between 1919 and 1926 and inspired by Goethe’s Reineke Fuchs. Conceived as a large scale Gesamtkunstwerk of approximately seventy five interrelated models, the series is highly regarded for its sculptural originality, rarity, and importance within twentieth century Meissen production. The scale of the composition, the complexity of the monkey and heron modeling, and its documented place within the Reineke Fuchs ensemble support the strong rarity and high value of this Meissen centerpiece. Germany, Circa: 1924 Dimensions: Monkey Centerpiece: 6.75"H x 11'' W x 8" D Plain Centerpiece: 4'' H x 10'' W x 5.5'' D

Details

Dimensions