Sitzendorf German Porcelain Figurine — and 50 similar items

Sitzendorf German Porcelain Figurine ? Rococo Lady with Mandolin/Lute ? Thuringia, Germany, 20th Century Hand-painted polychrome porcelain · Blue underglaze maker's mark · Pastoral Rococo Revival style Manufacturer Sitzendorf Porzellanmanufaktur, Thuringia, Germany Type Decorative porcelain figurine ? standing lady Subject Rococo lady in 18th-century dress holding a mandolin/lute Style Rococo Revival / Dresden-manner pastoral figurine Period 20th century (circa 1950s?1970s) Material Hard-paste porcelain, hand-painted in polychrome enamels with gilt highlights Maker's mark Blue underglaze stamp on base ? Sitzendorf factory mark (stylised mark with asterisk/flower device) Condition Good used condition ? some age-related wear; see condition notes below Description A delightful hand-painted porcelain figurine in the celebrated Rococo Revival tradition of the Sitzendorf Porcelain Manufactory, one of Germany's most distinguished Thuringian porcelain workshops, established in 1850 and famous for its finely decorated figurines in the 18th-century Dresden manner. The figure depicts a young 18th-century lady in elegant period dress, posed in a graceful walking stance on a scrolled rocaille base with gilt highlights. She holds a small lute or mandolin at her side, its strings and body carefully rendered in golden-brown tones. Her costume is a tour de force of the decorator's craft: a full-skirted gown in teal/turquoise-blue with a striped black-and-white corset bodice laced with dark ribbon, over a soft pink-lavender petticoat with a white frilled hem and green silk knot at the waist. Her sleeves are trimmed with white lace cuffs. On her head she wears a matching teal bonnet adorned with pink flower clusters and a white feather, and her auburn hair falls softly below. The oval base is modelled with green grass and rocaille scrolls picked out in gold, in the characteristic Sitzendorf manner. The painting throughout is confident and detailed, with careful shading on the dress panels, a naturalistically coloured face with red lips, arched brows and downcast eyes, and restrained gilt accents on the base cartouches. This is a typical and attractive example of the post-war Sitzendorf production (circa 1950s?70s), when the factory continued its tradition of decorative Rococo-style figurines that found a wide export market across Europe and beyond. About Sitzendorf The Sitzendorf Porcelain Manufactory was established in Thuringia, Germany, in 1850 by Wilhelm Liebmann, and acquired by the Voigt brothers in 1884. Under the Voigts, the factory introduced its celebrated lace and Rococo Revival figurines in the Dresden manner, which became internationally collected. After nationalisation in the East German period and eventual closure in 2011, Sitzendorf pieces ? particularly figurines bearing the blue underglaze factory mark ? remain actively collected throughout Europe and North America. Maker's mark The base bears a blue underglaze stamp consisting of a stylised letter or monogram device accompanied by a small asterisk/flower symbol ? consistent with Sitzendorf factory marks used in the mid-to-late 20th century production period. One drainage hole is present on the base underside, typical of Sitzendorf construction. Condition notes The figurine is in good overall condition consistent with its age. Specific points to note: Chip to the hat feather/trim at the rear of the bonnet ? visible in images (image 4); a small section of the white feather decoration is missing or damaged Some yellowing/discolouration to the flower trim on the bonnet Minor rubbing to gilt on the base scrollwork, consistent with age and display Some surface dust and minor soiling in recessed areas No chips, cracks or breaks observed on the main figure, dress, or mandolin Face painting clean and intact; colours vivid and well-preserved Please examine all photographs carefully. Sold as seen. Collecting context Sitzendorf figurines of this type ? standing Rococo ladies, musicians and pastoral figures in the Dresden tradition ? enjoy a consistent international collector following. They are particularly sought by buyers of German porcelain, Dresden-style figurines, and vintage decorative arts. The combination of a confirmed maker's mark, attractive subject, and well-preserved polychrome decoration makes this a desirable addition to any collection of European ceramic figurines. Postage packaging The figurine will be carefully individually wrapped in bubble wrap and tissue, then packed in a sturdy double-walled box with additional void fill. Tracked and insured postage strongly recommended. Please contact me for international shipping enquiries before purchasing.