Porcelain figurine of a lioness with cubs.

On an uneven terrace covered with plastic flowers and leaves, a lioness mother sits with a torn mouth, baring her teeth and protecting the cubs lying beneath her. An extremely realistic depiction shows a muscular chest, sinewy legs, large paws, and ribs on the sides, skillfully conveying the anatomy of a big cat. The meticulously carved brown-striped fur pattern features polychrome coloring. Possibly by Johann Joachim Kändler, circa 1740-1750. Some restoration work; minimal damage. Blue underglaze mark of crossed swords. Height 13 cm, length 15 cm. Kändler's works and tax reports document his activity in creating various lion figures between 1740 and 1750, including the production of "1 medium-sized lion" for King Augustus III. Examples can be found in the inventory of the palace confectionery at the Dresden Palace and in the "Six Porcelain Lions" (according to the Brühl estate inventory) under the care of Count Heinrich von Brühl. See Pitzsch, "Swan Service," p. 264, No. 332a/catalog Early Meissen Porcelain, No. 59; Menzhausen/Karpinski, p. 196; Albiker, No. 158 and following. Porcelain figurine of a lioness with cubs. Minor restoration. Small chips. Crossed swords mark. Meissen. Circa 1750.