English: Figure, about 1750, Meissen porcelain factory V&A Museum no. C.147-1931

Techniques - Hard-paste porcelain, painted in enamels and gilt

Artist/designer - Meissen porcelain factory, Johann Joachim Kändler born 15/06/1706 - died 17/05/1775 (modeller)

Place - Meissen, Germany

Dimensions - Height 25.4 cm, Width 13.85 cm (approx.)

Object Type - This German porcelain figure was made to accompany a shepherdess. Idealised representations of shepherds and shepherdesses, often fashionably dressed, were very popular in mid-18th century Europe. In Britain such figures might have been displayed on a domestic furnishing, or, as in Germany, they might have been set out on a dining table during the dessert course of a grand meal. Meissen was the first factory to make porcelain figures for this purpose. They gradually replaced the sugar paste and wax figures that had been made from medieval times for royal wedding feasts. These were originally made to celebrate political allegiances. By the 16th century, allegorical themes had been introduced, and by the 18th century many were entirely decorative.

Trading -

Continental porcelain could not be legally imported for sale in Britain until 1775, unless it was stated to be for personal use, not for resale. Despite this, in the 1750s large quantities of Meissen porcelain were sold in London china shops. Much of this was imported under the pretence that it was for personal use, but some was smuggled in. Meissen porcelain was greatly admired in mid-18th century Britain, and the English porcelain factories made many close copies of Meissen figures and wares.