A pair of Meissen figural bouquetières, circa 1745

Modelled by J.J. Kaendler, as gardeners, each seated on a rocky mound holding a basket with pierced tops, respectively, the gentleman wearing a jacket decorated with indianische Blumen and white breeches with gilt embellishments, his companion wearing a black headscarf, yellow bodice and apron with indianische Blumen and blue and white striped skirt, the bases applied with leaves and flowers, 20.4cm high, very faint traces of crossed swords marks in blue (minor chips, one basket handle restuck) (2)

Provenance:
The Rosa Alba Collection of Meissen Porcelain

The models are mentioned by Kaendler in his Taxa of overtime work: '1. Weibs Bild sizend einen Korb auf den Schooß habend, worein Bluhmen gesezet werden können [...] 1. Gärtner sizend, einen Bluhmen-Korb vor sich haltend, darein Bluhmen gesezet werden können, als Compagnon zur Gärtnerin' [1 female figure seated holding a basket on her lap, in which flowers can be out (...) 1. seated gardener, holding a flower basket in front, in which flowers can be put, as companion to the female gardener].