A Meissen Porcelain Pagoda Nodding Head Figure

Description

A 19th century Meissen porcelain nodding head figure modeled as a seated pagoda figure, with head and hands articulated by internal counterweights. The underside is marked with the underglaze blue crossed swords of the Meissen manufactory and further impressed with model and painter’s marks. This form was produced by Meissen in multiple variants throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, originating from chinoiserie models inspired by the early tastes of Augustus the Strong. This example conforms to the later 19th century production, retaining full polychrome enamel and gilt decoration typical of the period. The figure is modeled with a removable head, attached by a pivoted rod with an internal lead weight, which allows it to nod when moved. The figure is seated cross-legged with both arms slightly raised and bent at the elbows. The articulated head features pronounced facial modeling including arched brows, flushed cheeks, and a wide, open mouth. The hair is rendered in a dark brown glaze and tied into a topknot. The robe is lavishly enameled with densely arranged floral sprays in pink, lavender, blue, and green with gold detailing. Gilt-edged scalloped borders decorate the collar and chest, filled with a netted diaper pattern in yellow and black. Cuffs and hem are bordered in violet and turquoise bands, with the inner sleeves painted bright vermilion. Yellow slip-on shoes are modeled with pointed toes. The hands are also jointed and, like the head, move when the figure is gently shaken or disturbed. The original model for this figure was created by Johann Joachim Kaendler, chief modeler at Meissen from 1731, who developed the nodding pagoda figure around 1733 as part of the porcelain menagerie and chinoiserie commissions for the Japanese Palace in Dresden. Kaendler’s work combined mechanical ingenuity with theatrical figural modeling, leading to the creation of movable figures with counterweight mechanisms. This 19th century example retains the core elements of Kaendler’s original design, executed in hard-paste porcelain with hand-applied enamels and gilding. The articulated features are driven by internal lead weights and housed within the hollow body. The blue crossed swords mark under the base confirms production at the Meissen manufactory and continuity of the model’s form from the 18th century into the 19th century. Germany, Circa: 1880

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