Vintage Meissen Style Porcelain Commedia dell'arte Pierrot Harlequin 11" Figurine

Add a touch of comedic whimsy to your collection with this vintage Meissen-style reproduction Pierrot or Harlequin porcelain figurine. 

Hand painted in enamels and gold gilt, this commedia dell'arte figurine depicts either Harlequin or Pierrot, the beloved characters from the Italian Commedia dell'arte tradition. Commedia dell'Arte, or 'artistic comedy' was the popular improvised type of comedy which flourished in Italy from the 16th to the 18th centuries and had an impact on theatre throughout Europe, especially France. Commedia plays were acted along pre-arranged scenarios but relied on the performers' ability for improvisation and ensured their popularity with a mixture of knockabout comedy, acrobatic leaping and romantic interest. In the 1740s the Meissen modeller J. J. Kaendler devised a wide range of porcelain figures for table decoration. 

This figure, while a much more modern reproduction (1980s), with his histrionic gestures, exaggerated facial expressions and pose capture the spirit of Kaendler's dynamic sculptures.

EXCELLENT CONDITION ~ No nicks, chips, cracks, flea bites, or damage.

This piece features our character sitting on a stump.

He is holding a sausage raised to his mouth in one hand, and a gold marotte (fool's scepter) in the other. He is wearing a French style clown costume, with ruffled neck and cuffs, decorated with a design of stars, dots, and fans, with gold accents. On his head, he is wearing a black tophat with 2 flowers.

Measures approx. 11.25" tall.

This would be a wonderful addition to your decor or collection, or perhaps a great gift idea.

If you have any questions please ask.

Thanks for Looking!