Germany, Thuringia, Sitzendorf Porcelain Manufactory, second half of the 19th century

An exceptional example of 19th-century continental porcelain, produced at the Sitzendorf Porcelain Manufactory, one of the leading centres of the Thuringian porcelain school.

The basket is distinguished by its complex architectural form and rich sculptural decoration, created through painstaking hand-modelling.

The entire surface of the piece is adorned with three-dimensional, naturalistic floral motifs: every flower and every leaf is modelled separately and covered with multi-layered painting featuring subtle nuances of colour. The composition is crowned by curved handles in the form of branches entwined with foliage, which emphasises the sculptural nature of the piece.

The central elements are winged putti figures depicted playing wind instruments – a motif characteristic of Sitzendorf’s work.

The ‘putti musicanti’ motif has deep symbolic significance in 19th-century German porcelain and is associated with the idea of heavenly harmony, purity and the sublime music of the spheres. Such scenes were traditionally used by Thuringian manufactories for ceremonial decorative objects and were intended for stately interiors.

The modelling of the figures is distinguished by its rare expressiveness: the soft plasticity of the bodies, the lively faces with a delicate blush, and the meticulously crafted details of the wings testify to a high level of sculptural skill.

• Place of manufacture: Germany, Thuringia, Sitzendorf

• Period: second half of the 19th century

• Material: porcelain

• Technique: entirely hand-modelled, hand-painted

• Size: large, monumental format

• Condition: excellent condition, minimal losses, unrestored