Porcelain and Faïence at Koller

Since 2002, expert Sabine Neumaier has led the porcelain department, which presents European porcelain and faience from the 16th to the 19th centuries and European glass from the 18th and 19th centuries. Among the lots, often from venerable collections in Switzerland or other European countries, are numerous highlights that command top prices at our auctions. Museum administrators frequently participate in the bidding for their institutions. Rare early Meissen décors in the “Asian” style rank among the most treasured collectibles. Italian faïence and majolica also elicit active interest, especially among Italian collectors.
 

Next Auction: 22 March 2010
Consignment deadline: 22 January 2010

Preview in Zurich:
13 - 21 March 2010

Previews of highlights:
Düsseldorf: 25 - 26 February 2010
Geneva: 9 - 10 March 2010


Porcelain and Silver in the age of Enlightenment
The Zurich collection of Dr. René and Friederike Felber
Special auction of 22 March 2010, Preview 13 to 21 March 2010.		    
  S10/614
RARE "TÜRKENGRUPPE"
Zurich, the model circa 1770.

CHF 12 000 / 15 000
EUR 8 200 / 10 000

For a high-resolution image, please click on the picture.
689   S10/689
SILVER-GILT WINE TASTER
Augsburg 1682.

CHF 8 000 / 14 000
EUR 5 030 / 8 800

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693   S10/693
SILVER-GILT HUNTERS TRAVELLING SET
Augsburg circa 1700.

CHF 12 000 / 18 000
EUR 7 500 / 11 300

For a high-resolution image, please click on the picture.
706   S10/707
SET OF 6 CANDLE STICKS
Zürich um 1800.

CHF 18 000 / 28 000
EUR 11 300 / 17 600

For a high-resolution image, please click on the picture.
  S10/634
MONKEY RIDING A DOG
Zurich, the model circa 1775, circle of Valentin Sonnenschein.

CHF 15 000 / 20 000
EUR 10 000 / 14 000

For a high-resolution image, please click on the picture.
  S10/827
OFFICER WITH WHITE HORSE FROM THE ALLEGORY OF EUROPE
Zurich circa 1770/1775.

CHF 10 000 / 15 000
EUR 7 000 / 10 000

For a high-resolution image, please click on the picture.
One of the most important private collections of 18th century Zurich porcelain and silver ever to come to auction will be presented at Koller Zurich on 22 March 2010. René Felber, a doctor, and his wife Friederike, an art historian, were fascinated with the history of the Zurich porcelain manufactory, and for over 60 years collected Zurich porcelain works, interspersed with pieces from Zurich silversmiths. Numerous publications and exhibitions were either inspired or realized by the couple during this period. No Zurich collection of this importance has been auctioned since the 1970s, when the celebrated and often-cited Paul Schnyder von Wartensee collection, as well as that of Alfred Schwarzenbach came to the auction block. The Felber collection gives a nearly complete picture of the depth and diversity of the figures produced by this extraordinary manufactory in its brief, 30-year existence, and the adjective “rare” can be genuinely applied to almost every piece. Two particularly amusing Türkengruppen depicting the liberation of beautiful female slaves belong to a 5-piece set representing “Die Entführung aus dem Serail” (“The Abduction of the Harem”). A pair of extremely rare dancers in soft-paste porcelain from the circle of the Commedia dell'arte, as well as a pair of groups depicting allegories of Europe and Asia embody the charming and unique style of this manufactory. The collection also features a series of figural groups created by the artist Valentin Sonnenschein, especially known for the figures he made for the Einsiedler service. Particularly noteworthy is a rare object from his circle, representing a monkey riding on the back of a dog. A large series of Ausruferfiguren (figurines of street merchants) and exquisite genre figures such as a maid serving coffee combine to present an accurate portrayal of daily life in 18th-century Zurich. The couple's passion for hunting did not fail to leave its mark on their collection. Along with porcelain figures on this subject, the Felbers assembled an important collection of silver hunting accessories, such as hunting wine tasters by Zurich as well as by Augsburg silversmiths. For the refined hunter on the move, a complete 18th-century traveling set in its original leather case is a must, including finely chased goblets, eggcups and silverware.