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 and brown-striped fur pattern is enhanced by polychrome coloring. Possibly the work of Johann Joachim Kändler, circa 1740–1750. Some restoration work; minimal damage. Underglaze blue 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 creation of "1 medium-sized lion" for King Augustus III. Examples can be found in the inventory of the court confectionery of Dresden Palace and in the "Six Porcelain Lions" (according to the property list of the Brühl estate) under the care of Count Heinrich von Brühl. See Pitzsch, "Swan Service", p. 264, No. 332a/catalog Early Meissen Porcelain, No. 59; Menzhausen/Karpinsky, p. 196; Albicker, No. 158 and following. Porcelain figurine of a lioness with cubs. Slightly restored. Minor chips. Crossed swords mark. Meissen. Circa 1750.