Meissen, c. 1751-53. Models probably by J. J. Kändler. The painting possibly later.

Lion and lioness with their cub, as counter-parts. The coat accentuated in light-brown with detailed drawing.

H 12.8 cm , L 15 cm; H 13 cm, L 15.5 cm.

Lion tail with old restoration.

Provenance:
- Private collection, Switzerland.

The model of the lion is found as an attribute of Fortitude on the base of the porcelain model created by Kändler in 1753 for the planned monumental equestrian statue of King Augustus III (cf. Albiker 1935, Ill. 220; Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Inv. No. 2528). After the nearly life-size lion models for the Japanese Palace, ca. 1730 by Kirchner, various small lion models, e.g. by Kändler (Pietsch 2005, p. 74, Cat.19), were created from the 1740s onwards, presumably for sale to the public in the Manufactory.

Comparative items:
C. Albiker, Die Meissner Porzellantiere, 1935, No. 198 (lion); Y. Hackenbroch, Meissen Porcelain Sculpture, KFS 50/1960, Ill. 160R; Rückert, Meissen Porcelain, 1966, Nos. 1058 and 1059, Plate 262 (Ernst Schneider Collection, Lustheim); U. Pietsch, Porzellan Parforce, Munich 2005, p. 74. Cat. No. 19; Sotheby's Zurich, 9 December 1997, lot No. 39; Sir Gawaine & Lady Baillie Collection, Sotheby's London, 1 May 2013, lot Nos. 103 and 92, for a larger pair with a bronze mount; Sotheby's Paris, 15 March 2014, lot No. 72 (a nearly identical pair with a Louis XV bronze mount); Christie's London, 21 November 2018, lot No. 67; Koller Auctions, Decorative Arts, 30 September 2021, lot No. 1113.