Lot 1116 | Meissen | Large Mandarin Duck

LARGE MANDARIN DUCK.

Meissen.
Maker/Designer: Model M. Esser, 1921.
Technique: Porcelain, decorated with colors and gold.
Description: Mandarin duck on high pedestal with lily pads and reeds.
Measurement: Height 38cm.
Mark: Swordsmark with one grinding mark, G259.

Literature:
- Bröhan, Karl H. (ed.): Porzellan. Kunst und Design 1889 bis 1939. Vom Jugendstil zum Funktionalismus, Berlin 1996, model compare cat. No. 90, on Max Esser see p.108ff.
- Jedding, Hermann. Meißener Porzellan des 19. und 20. Jahrhunderts 1800-1933, Munich 1981, compare p. 124-125.
- Marusch-Krohn, Caren: Meissener Porzellan 1918-1933. Die Pfeifferzeit, Leipzig 1933, model compare p.95, cat.no.83, for Max Esser see p.105-112.

In the literature, the 'Mandarin Duck' is described as one of Max Esser's most beautiful and captivating models. The feathered, detailed body forms a unity with the base, which continues the dynamic shapes in which the animal is designed.
As a student of August Gaul, Max Esser advanced to become one of the leading animal sculptors of the Pfeiffer period. He initially began his career at the Schwarzburg workshops before transfering to the Meissen manufactory as a freelance artist in 1919. From 1923 onwards, he also ran a so-called master's atelier there.
Esser created over 100 designs for the manufactory. In order to be able to make his animal sculptures as lifelike as possible, he regularly went to the zoo in Berlin for studies.