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Figure of a Heron
German
about 1735
Object Place: Meissen, Germany
Medium/Technique
Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions
Overall: 63.5 cm (25 in.)
Weight (estimated): 40 lb. (18.14 kg)
Weight (estimated): 40 lb. (18.14 kg)
Credit Line
Kiyi and Edward M. Pflueger Collection. Bequest of Edward M. Pflueger and Gift of Kiyi Powers Pflueger
Accession Number2006.935
CollectionsEurope
DescriptionWhite, naturalistically depicted with a fish in its beak, standing on a base applied with aquatic animals and water weeds
ProvenanceBetween 1730 and 1736, commissioned by Augustus II (b. 1670 – d. 1733), King of Poland and Elector of Saxony, and his successor, Augustus III (b. 1696 – d. 1763), King of Poland and Elector of Saxony, for the Japanese Palace in Dresden [see note 1]. Possibly James A. Lewis and Son, New York; possibly sold by Lewis to Edulji Dinshaw (b. 1916 - d. 1970), New York; December 8, 1962, possibly in the Dinshaw sale, Parke-Bernet, New York, lot 36, for $8000. By 1993, Edward M. Pflueger (b. 1905 - d. 1997) and Kiyi Powers Pflueger (b. 1915 - d. 2008), New York; 2006, bequest of Edward M. Pflueger and gift of Kiyi Powers Pflueger to the MFA. (Accession Date: April 26, 2006).
Notes:
[1] Augustus II (“the Strong”) began building the Japanese Palace in Dresden in 1725 and commissioned more than 35,000 porcelain works from the nearby Meissen porcelain manufactory to furnish his "porcelain palace." The original collection featured more than 500 large bird and animal figures; among these were 37 animal species and 32 bird species. Augustus II died in 1733 and his son Augustus III took over the project. The Japanese Palace became a museum and library after the death of Augustus III, and parts of the collection were sold and traded in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Notes:
[1] Augustus II (“the Strong”) began building the Japanese Palace in Dresden in 1725 and commissioned more than 35,000 porcelain works from the nearby Meissen porcelain manufactory to furnish his "porcelain palace." The original collection featured more than 500 large bird and animal figures; among these were 37 animal species and 32 bird species. Augustus II died in 1733 and his son Augustus III took over the project. The Japanese Palace became a museum and library after the death of Augustus III, and parts of the collection were sold and traded in the 18th and 19th centuries.