A pair of gilt-bronze-mounted Meissen porcelain parrot candelabra, the porcelain circa 1740, the mounts Louis XV/XVI, Transitional, circa 1765

modelled by J.J. Käendler, one facing to the right, the other to the left, painted in shades of green and red, perching on branches, with leaves, mushrooms and berries, crossed swords marks in underglaze-blue, the rear acanthus stem issuing two scrolled acanthus cast candlearms, drip-pans and nozzles on a gilt-bronze circular ribbon-tied berried laurel and stylised Greek key base with a patera on each projecting bracket foot

Henry Ford II
Anonymous sale , Christie's, London, 1st December 1983, lot 7 (£48,000)

In overall good conserved condition. Attractive casting to the gilt-bronze mounts. Some very minor tarnishing and pitting to the gilt-bronze mounts. Porcelain: The parrot facing left: The small branch issuing from the base has been repaired at the terminal, the associated leaves have been re-stuck The parrot facing right: Likewise, the small branch issuing from the base has been repaired, approximately halfway up, two leaves have been repaired, and another leaf is chipped. There is restoration to the parrot's beak. The right wing has been broken into two pieces and repaired.
"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."

Meissen models of Parrots appear to first enter the collection of Augustus the Strong’s Royal Menagerie at the Japanese Palace in around 1731, shortly afterwards in 1735 Kändler designed two small examples (12cm high). Unlike other bird species, Parrots were produced in varying sizes; birds of this size were probably produced to be mounted and for the direct use of the Parisian marchand-merciers.

In May-October 1740, Kändler modelled new figures of parrots to match the ones already in the warehouse, 'in considerable size', ie. 19cm, the size of the present models:

'1: Einen Pappagoy in Thon poußiret große Sorte Vor Mons. Huiet. Daß solcher gegen den ehemals Von mir gefertigeten Pappagoy siehet.' [Modelled a large parrot in clay for Mons. Huet (Jean-Charles Huet, marchand-mercier). That this one is looking against the former model completed by me.]

 '2. Zwey Pappagoyen Von Ziemlicher Größe aufs Waaren Laager in Thon poußiret und Sauberes Belege Zu deßen postamente gefertiget. Von zweyerley Arth.' [2: modelled in clay two parrots of suitable size for the warehouse and completed clean supports for their pedestals. Of two types.]

'3: Zwey Pappagoyen Von Ziemlicher Größe auf einem großen Ast sietzend in Thon Poußiret Vor Mons. Huiet. Zwar daß solche gegen einander sehen.' [3: modelled in clay two parrots of suitable size, seated on a big branch for Mons. Huet. Namely, they are facing each other.]

Four pairs of these models, painted in varying enamels to depict different species, from the Property from the Collection of Sir Gawaine and Lady Baillie were sold in these Rooms, 1^st May 2013, lots 80-83.