A Meissen figure of a roller circa 1740

modelled by J. J. Kändler and J. G. Ehder, with green body and russet back, its wings edged in blue and black, perched on a gnarled tree-trunk applied with flowering branches, a beetle and a caterpillar, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue (some restoration)

Sotheby's London, 7th October 1986, lot 249

Broken through and rsetored at top of stump with restoration to birds legs and branches and some respraying in the surrounding area. Restoration top both wings,beak and face.Some restoration and chips to applied 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Kändler's Work Records for August 1735 read: '10. Eine Mandel Krähe angefangen Welche ins Königl. Balläis gehörig an Welcher aber noch etwas zu fertigen übrig Verblieben' [10. Began a roller which is to go to the Royal Palace but there remains some work to do to finish it]. J. G. Ehder records in October 1739: 'In Thon poussiert: 1 Mandel Grahen Kopf' [modelled in clay: 1 roller head].

The work records for October 1739-January 1740 then show: 'Spezificaztion Derjenigen Model, welche à 1ten Oct 1739 bis ult January 1740 von mir Endes unterschiebenen nebst einen Gesellen, nach Feyerabende verfertiget, und zur Königl. Porcellain-Fabrique zu Meissengeliefert werden...1 Mandel Grehe, so auch auff einen grossen Ast sitze und die flügel von sich streckert, modelliert' [Specification of the mentioned model, which between 1st October 1739 and the end of January 1740 was ultimately imposed upon an apprentice, has been completed after the Feyer-evening and delivered to the Royal Porcelain Factory in Meissen...1 roller, modelled perched on a large stump and wings outstretched].

Kändler's Taxa then duly records '1 Mandel Krähe auf einen grossen Aste sitzend und die Flügel von sich streckened...3 Thlr.16g' [1. A roller perched on a large branch and with wings spread...3 Thlr.16g].

Interestingly, this and most other examples of the bird are painted (though not entirely accurately) with dramatic plumage much closer to that of  the  Lilac-Breasted Roller of  sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian peninsular, than that of the less exotically-coloured European Roller.

For similar models, see Hackenbroch (1956), pl. 14, fig.16; Albiker (1959), no. 131,  and Rückert (1966), nos. 1110 and 1111.