The piano player from the set of figurines “Monkey Band“
Meissen porcelain factory. Model by J. J. Kändler. 1753. Porcelain, on-glaze decoration
The famous “Monkey Band” set of the Meissen porcelain factory is represented in the Mikkel collection by two figurines. The set was modelled by the best-known artist of the Meissen factory, Johann Joachim Kändler, together with his assistant Peter Reinicke in 1753. Kändler is believed to have designed the first version of the set already in 1747, but no figurines of that set have survived. The amusing “Monkey Band”, which was originally meant to mock the Dresden Court Orchestra, is often considered to be the best example of Meissen’s 18th-century porcelain figurines. The set consists of 21 expressive monkey figures clad in fashionable outfits of the time, depicting male and female musicians in lively postures, singing and playing various musical instruments. The set was an enormous success, and repetitions of it are made even nowadays. The last issue of the set came out in 2010, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Meissen factory.
Groups of porcelain figurines used to play an important role in the table decorations of festive dinners, suggesting amusing topics for conversation over dessert. Later, the original function of the figurines faded away, and people started collecting them as status symbols and decorative items of artistic value.
The drummer from the set of figurines “Monkey Band“
Meissen porcelain factory. Model by J. J. Kändler. 1753. Porcelain, on-glaze decoration
The famous “Monkey Band” set of the Meissen porcelain factory is represented in the Mikkel collection by two figurines. The set was modelled by the best-known artist of the Meissen factory, Johann Joachim Kändler, together with his assistant Peter Reinicke in 1753. Kändler is believed to have designed the first version of the set already in 1747, but no figurines of that set have survived. The amusing “Monkey Band”, which was originally meant to mock the Dresden Court Orchestra, is often considered to be the best example of Meissen’s 18th-century porcelain figurines. The set consists of 21 expressive monkey figures clad in fashionable outfits of the time, depicting male and female musicians in lively postures, singing and playing various musical instruments. The set was an enormous success, and repetitions of it are made even nowadays. The last issue of the set came out in 2010, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Meissen factory.
Groups of porcelain figurines used to play an important role in the table decorations of festive dinners, suggesting amusing topics for conversation over dessert. Later, the original function of the figurines faded away, and people started collecting them as status symbols and decorative items of artistic value.
The Monkey Band
Meissen porcelain manufactory. Modelled by J. J. Kändler and P. Reinicke in 1753/ 1765. Porcelain, on-glaze decoration. RISD Museum, US
