Pair of 18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figural & Ormolu Mounted Candelabras

Description

Pair of 18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figural and Ormolu Mounted Candelabras with Raised 18th Century Meissen Porcelain Flowers. This pair of figural groups of Hunter and Huntress was produced by the Meissen porcelain factory, Modelled by J. J. Kandler in the 18th century. Each candelabrum features a porcelain figure of a hunter and Huntress modeled in high relief, both dressed in period hunting attire, The Hunter having a Hunting dog besides him. The figures are surrounded by flowering branches rising above them, supporting Bronze candle nozzles at the top. These candelabra are raised on elaborately cast and chased ormolu bases, each modeled with scrolling foliage and floral Rococo Period elements. The porcelain figures and floral elements display the fine detail and coloration associated with Meissen's mid-18th-century output. The structure of each candelabrum consists of a central floral bouquet composed of naturalistic porcelain blossoms of varying species, including chrysanthemums and cornflowers, in pink, blue, and white enamel glazes. These flowers are affixed to hand-wrought bronze stems painted in green, with two gilded foliate candle holders mounted among the uppermost branches. The male figure wears a white and green coat, black boots, and a tricorne hat, holding a rifle with a dog at his side. The female figure wears a yellow and black hunting outfit, also with a tricorne hat, and carries a similar weapon. Both figures stand before leafy backdrops integrated into the bouquet arrangement. The French ormolu bases feature pierced scrollwork with applied floral decoration, supporting the porcelain groups securely and integrating them into the overall design. These candelabra were produced at the Meissen manufactory during the period following Johann Joachim Kändler’s tenure as chief modeler, when figural groups, hunting scenes, and florals were among the most popular decorative themes. The porcelain flowers are consistent with Meissen's labor-intensive hand-molded and painted botanical work, which was often combined with ormolu mounts by Parisian bronziers to appeal to a French market. The candelabra likely date to the mid to late 1700s, a time when Meissen porcelain was exported widely across Europe and frequently mounted in gilt bronze for the luxury market.

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