Meissen Figurine 'Chiarina', Russian Ballet 'Carnival', by Paul Scheurich, 20th
About the Item
- Creator:Meissen Porcelain (Manufacturer),Paul Scheurich (Sculptor)
- Dimensions:Height: 10.44 in (26.5 cm)Width: 7.09 in (18 cm)Depth: 5.91 in (15 cm)
- Style:Biedermeier (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1934-1947
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Vienna, AT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1014435942612
Paul Scheurich was a German artist, sculptor and painter, born in 1883, in New York City, USA. He is considered to be the most noteworthy artist to create porcelain models in Germany, between the wars. He worked for both Meissen and KPM of Berlin, in Germany. He is also highly regarded as one of the most prominent porcelain designers of the 1900s.
Meissen Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain (Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen) is one of the preeminent porcelain factories in Europe and was the first to produce true porcelain outside of Asia. It was established in 1710 under the auspices of King Augustus II “the Strong” of Saxony-Poland (1670–1733), a keen collector of Asian ceramics, particularly Ming porcelain.
In pursuing his passion, which he termed his “maladie de porcelaine,” Augustus spent vast sums, amassing some 20,000 pieces of Japanese and Chinese ceramics. These, along with examples of early Meissen, comprise the Porzellansammlung, or porcelain collection, of the Zwinger Palace, in Dresden.
The king was determined, however, to free the European market from its dependence on Asian imports and to give European artisans the freedom to create their own porcelain designs. To this end, he charged the scientist Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus and aspiring alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger with the task of using local materials to produce true, hard-paste porcelain (as opposed to the soft-paste variety European ceramists in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and Spain had been producing since the late Renaissance). In 1709, the pair succeeded in doing just that, employing kaolin, or “china clay.” A year later, the Meissen factory was born.
In its first decades, Meissen mostly looked to Asian models, producing wares based on Japanese Kakiemon ceramics and pieces with Chinese-inflected decorations called chinoiserie. During the 1720s its painters drew inspiration from the works of Watteau, and the scenes of courtly life, fruits and flowers that adorned fashionable textiles and wallpaper. It was in this period that Meissen introduced its famous cobalt-blue crossed swords logo — derived from the arms of the Elector of Saxony as Arch-Marshal of the Holy Roman Empire — to distinguish its products from those of competing factories that were beginning to spring up around Europe.
By the 1730s, Meissen’s modelers and decorators had mastered the style of Asian ceramics, and Augustus encouraged them to develop a new, original aesthetic. The factory’s director, Count Heinrich von Brühl, used Johann Wilhelm Weinmann’s botanical drawings as the basis for a new line of wares with European-style surface decoration. The Blue Onion pattern (Zwiebelmuster), first produced in 1739, melded Asian and European influences, closely following patterns used in Chinese underglaze-blue porcelain, but replacing exotic flora and fruits with Western varieties (likely peaches and pomegranates, not onions) along with peonies and asters.
During the same period, head modeler Joachim Kändler (1706–75) began crafting delicate porcelain figures derived from the Italian commedia dell’arte. Often used as centerpieces on banquet tables and decorated to reflect the latest fashions in courtly dress for men and women, these figurines were popular in their day, and are still considered among Meissen’s most iconic creations. Kändler also created the Swan Service, which, with its complex low-relief surface design and minimal decoration is considered a masterpiece of Baroque ceramics.
The rise of Neoclassicism in the latter half of the 18th century forced Meissen to change artistic direction and begin producing monumental vases, clocks, chandeliers and candelabra. In the 20th century, Meissen added to its 18th-century repertoire decidedly modern designs, including ones in the Art Nouveau style. The 1920s saw the introduction of numerous animal figures, such as the popular sea otter (Fischotter), which graced an East German postage stamp in the 1960s. Starting in 1933, artistic freedom was limited at the factory under the Nazi regime, and after World War II, when the region became part of East Germany, it struggled to reconcile its elite past with the values of the Communist government. In 1969, however, new artistic director Karl Petermann reintroduced the early designs and fostered a new degree of artistic license. Meissen became one of the few companies to prosper in East Germany.
Owned by the State of Saxony since reunification, in 1990, Meissen continues to produce its classic designs together with new ones developed collaboratively with artists from all over the world. In addition, through its artCAMPUS program, the factory has invited distinguished ceramic artists, such as Chris Antemann and Arlene Shechet, to work in its studios in collaboration with its skilled modelers and painters. The resulting works of contemporary sculpture are inspired by Meissen’s rich and complex legacy.
Find a collection of authentic Meissen Porcelain on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Vienna, Austria
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Meissen Figurine 'Estrella', Russian Ballet 'Carnival', by Paul Scheurich, 20thBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in Vienna, ATFinest Meissen Porcelain Figurine: Dancer balancing on her toes, turning her head to the right and bringing her right hand indecisively to her chin, while with her left hand she per...Category
Mid-20th Century German Biedermeier Porcelain
MaterialsPorcelain
- Meissen Figurine 'Bajazzo', Russian Ballet 'Carnival', by Paul Scheurich, 20thBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in Vienna, ATFinest Meissen Porcelain Figurine: Posing dancer, depicting Vaclav Nijinsky as a bajazzo (or harlequin), with his upper body leaning slightly forward, standing on his right leg, slig...Category
Mid-20th Century German Art Deco Porcelain
MaterialsPorcelain
- Meissen Ensemble Of 5 Models, Russian Ballet 'Carnival', by Paul Scheurich, 20thBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in Vienna, ATSet of finest Meissen Porcelain Figures: 'HARLEKIN & COLUMBINE' Dancing couple depicting the figures of the Harlequin and the Columbine: Dancer balancing on her toes in an elaborate crinoline dress with a plunging neckline, her hair artfully pinned up with floral decorations, her outstretched arms pressed down in front of her and her head tilted to the left with her mouth open, facing her dance partner, the latter dressed in colourfully patterned harlequin trousers with a white shirt and a large black bow, He is dressed in colourful, patterned harlequin trousers with a white shirt and a large black bow, which he presses against his chest with his left hand, and a black cap that reaches down over his eyes like a mask, the batte on his hip, nestling against the dancer's side and burying his right arm around her hips in the ruffles of her dress and suggesting a kiss with his mouth open. The group is supported by a pedestal beneath the dancer's skirt and rests on an oval plinth painted with a diamond pattern and floral decoration. Height: 10.62 in Blue Meissen crossed swords mark of the 20th century Year's sign 1977 Model nr. 73306 (D 287) / Former's nr. 123 'ESTRELLA' Dancer balancing on her toes, turning her head to the right and bringing her right hand indecisively to her chin while making a defensive gesture with her left hand - feigning horror at the stormy courtship of her gallant Eusebius. She is wearing a crinoline dress decorated with flowers and a bonnet. The figure is supported by a pedestal and rests on an oval plinth painted with a diamond pattern. Height: 10.62 in Blue Meissen crossed swords mark 1934-1947 Model nr. D 285 / Former's nr. 48 / Painter's nr. 15 'CHIARINA' Dancer balancing on the ball of her left foot, raising her right leg slightly forwards with her foot stretched downwards, leaning her head to the right and elegantly bringing both arms to her left side, flowers in her hands. She is wearing an elaborate crinoline dress with a flowered top and a bonnet, with a mask, fan and flowers scattered on the floor. The figure is supported by a pedestal and rests on an oval plinth painted with a diamond pattern. Height: 10.43 in Blue Meissen crossed swords mark 1934-1947 Modellnr. D 286 / Former's nr. 51 / Painter's nr. 12 'EUSEBIUS' Dancer in a wide lunge, his upper body turned to the right with his arm stretched backwards, holding his left hand to his heart and adoring his beloved Chiarina. He wears his hair parted in curls, his costume in the style of a dandy with chequered trousers, a tight-fitting blue tailcoat with a flower pinned to the lapel, top hat, mask and riding crop at his feet. The figure is supported by a rock and rests...Category
Mid-20th Century German Biedermeier Porcelain
MaterialsPorcelain
- Meissen Figurine Spanish Dancer With Fan And Castanet, by Paul Scheurich, 20thBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in Vienna, ATExceptional Meissen Porcelain Figurine: Dancer in a skirt puffed out around the hips with a tight, strapless and backless top with golden buttons, posing with a fan and castanet, a s...Category
Vintage 1940s German Art Deco Porcelain
MaterialsPorcelain
- Meissen Pair of Oriental Figurines A 1146 67073 Scheurich Made 20th CenturyLocated in Vienna, ATMeissen most remarkable pair of figurines: Designed by Paul Scheurich (1883-1945) Oriental woman with flute / modelled 1926 Black man with cockatoo / modelled 1922. Size: Femal...Category
Vintage 1980s German Art Nouveau Porcelain
MaterialsPorcelain
- Meissen Lovely Dog Figurine Terrier by Paul Walther made c. 1935By Meissen PorcelainLocated in Vienna, ATMeissen Lovely Figurine Of Dog: It Is A Type Of British Smooth Fox Terrier Sitting On White Oval Base / The Dog's Body Is Brownish Coloured, Wit...Category
Vintage 1930s German Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsPorcelain
- A 20th C. Meissen Ballet Dancer "Chiarina" from Russian Ballet by Paul ScheurichBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in New York, NYA Beautiful 20th Century Meissen Ballet Dancer "Chiarina" from Russian Ballet by Paul Scheurich. Introducing the captivating Meissen Ballet Dancer "Chiarina" from the renowned Russian Ballet, artfully crafted by the esteemed Paul Scheurich. This exquisite porcelain figurine portrays an ethereal beauty, emanating elegance and grace. The dancer's attire is a visual feast for the eyes, featuring a delightful buttoned shirt that gently accentuates her waist. Adorned with meticulously painted, vibrant flowers and foliage in a harmonious array of reds, greens, yellows, and blues, all against a pristine white ground. Her lustrous black ringlet-styled hair gracefully peeks out from beneath a frilly white bonnet, adorned with turquoise flowers, adding an enchanting touch to her ensemble. The performer's artful makeup is reminiscent of the stage, with bright blush enhancing her cheeks, dark red lips exuding allure, and her eyes captivatingly enhanced with an array of colors. In a fluid dance movement, she gracefully swishes both arms to her left side, while simultaneously pointing her right foot, all the while delicately clutching the head of a flower in each hand. Her mesmerizing presence is further enhanced by a resplendent frilled and multi-ruffled skirt, accentuated with various shades of turquoise blue trimming and banding. Completing the picture of elegance, her ballet shoes, in a sweet pale yellow hue, are tastefully tied with pale pink ribbons, exuding a subtle touch of delicacy and refinement. Each intricate detail of this Meissen antique...Category
20th Century German Other Porcelain
MaterialsPorcelain
- Meissen Porcelain Female Golfer Figurine by Peter StrangBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in Philadelphia, PAA fine Meissen porcelain figurine or miniature. By Peter Strang. Strang was born in Dresden in 1935 and received a degree in Sculpture from the Academy...Category
20th Century German Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsPorcelain
- Pair of Porcelain Parrots Signed Meissen, Germany, Early 20th CenturyBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in Buenos Aires, Buenos AiresPair of porcelain parrots signed Meissen. Germany, early 20th century.Category
Early 20th Century German Belle Époque Porcelain
MaterialsPorcelain
- Vintage Meissen Porcelain Golfer or Golfing Figurine by Peter StrangBy Peter Strang, Meissen PorcelainLocated in Philadelphia, PAA fine Meissen porcelain miniature or figurine. By Peter Strang. Strang was born in Dresden in 1935 and received a degree in Sculpture from the Academy...Category
20th Century German Modern Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsPorcelain
- Meissen Porcelain Cubist French Horn Musician Figurine by Peter StrangBy Peter Strang, Meissen PorcelainLocated in Philadelphia, PAA fine vintage Meissen porcelain figurine. By Peter Strang. Strang was born in Dresden in 1935 and received a degree in Sculpture from the Academy of F...Category
20th Century German Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsPorcelain
- Meissen Porcelain Figurine Busts of a Man & Woman by Peter StrangBy Peter Strang, Meissen PorcelainLocated in Philadelphia, PAA fine pair of miniature Meissen porcelain busts. By Peter Strang. In the form of a man and woman in casual clothing. The man wears an argyle sweater a...Category
20th Century German Modern Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsPorcelain