Spring figurine

Johann Carl Schönheit, Meissen, Germany, ca. 1780, later execution

Glazed white porcelain

H: 17 cm

Markings: “AR” in blue

UMP 7468

Purchased for the museum from antique dealer K. Chaura of Prague in 1911.

“Spring” group figurine from the Four Seasons series. General themes on the seasons date originated from Johann Joachim Kändler; J. C. Schönheit added further, but sometimes less explicit attributes. Here, however, the flowers, cage, and nest traditionally symbolise springtime. The figurine was executed in a later design, likely in the nineteenth century, and was marked with a symbol reserved for exceptional porcelain pieces dating from 1725–1736 (AR) which were used during the lifetime of August II the Strong.

Johann Carl Schönheit, Meissen, Germany, ca. 1780. Designs of the Spring group in the porcelain manufacturer’s current product range.