A PAIR OF MEISSEN PORCELAIN ORMOLU-MOUNTED FIGURES OF ROLLERS THE PORCELAIN CIRCA 1740-45, THE ORMOLU LATER

modelled by Johann Joachim Kändler, each with bright turquoise, blue and black plumage, perched on a tall leafy tree stump applied with insects, mounted on an ormolu scrollwork base, one with traces of crossed swords mark in blue, incised numeral 110 and impressed numeral 45 twice..

Sotheby's London, Property of a Lady, July 9, 1957, lot 81
Sotheby Parke Bernet, Inc., New York,  The Garbisch Collection, May 17, 1980, lot 197

Please note that the porcelain has not been inspected beneath the mounts. Bird on the left in catalogue illustration: End sections of wings broken and restored back; beak restored; minor restoration to leaves. Bird on the right in catalogue illustration: End of one wing broken and restored; upper part of beak restored; some minor restoration to leaves.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Models of Rollers are first mentioned in Kändler's work records of August 1735: "Eine Mandel Krähe angefangen Welche ins Königl. Balläis gehörig an Welcher aber noch etwas zu fertigen übrigVerbieben" ("A Roller started Which is meant for the Royal Palace but still slightly remains to be finished") and again in September 1735: "Die Mandel Krähe follgends gemacht Wie sie auf einem Vielen laub bewachsenen Stock sitzet darauf Verschiedene Käfer and Raupen befindlich davon sie welche frißet" ("The Roller to follow sits on a stump covered with foliage on which are found various beetles and caterpillars upon which it feeds").

Similar examples are illustrated by Carl Albiker, Die Meissner Porzellantiere, (1935 Edition), pl XXVIII, no 109; Rainer Rückert Meissener Porzellan, pl. 272, nos. 1110 and 1111; and by gerhard Röbbig, Kaninettstücke, Die Meissenr Porzellanvogel von Johann Joachim Kändler 1706-1775, p. 153, no. 30. The model and deliveries of completed figures are discussed by Samuel Wittwer, The Gallery of Meissen Animals, pp.351-52.

Similar pairs of rollers were in the collection of Nelson A. Rockefeller, sold at Sotheby Parke Bernet, Inc., New York, April 11, 1980, lot 182; and in the collection of Laurance S. Rockefeller, sold in these rooms, October 11, 2005, lot 191.