Thuringian Porcelain Figures, Oldest Volkstedt Porcelain Factory , C.1915

A well-matched pair of early 20th-century German porcelain figures in the Dresden school tradition, produced in Thuringia around 1915. Both stand on identical circular bases with a relief gilt border and are finely hand-painted in rich, vibrant colors.                                                 The male figure holds a birdcage and feeds a small bird with a worm in his other hand. He is marked with a blue underglaze N above a crown and the word FOREIGN, an export mark applied by a partner studio for the British market. The female figure, holding a basket of flowers and foliage, is marked with the well-known Volkstedt crown and 1762 underglaze blue mark  introduced as the factory’s 150th anniversary emblem in 1915.                                                           Such pairings, with identical bases but different marks, were typical for Thuringian export porcelain: major manufacturers like Volkstedt often supplied undecorated blanks to affiliated decorating workshops, who then applied their own export marks.                                                               A representative example of Thuringian export porcelain from the early 20th century, combining factory and decorator marks in a single pair. Dimensions: Heights: male 19.4 cm (406 g), female 21 cm (410 g). Condition: The male figure is in excellent condition. The female figure has a loss to the fingers of her right hand; otherwise, no damage or restoration. Decoration is well preserved. Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.