Ernst Bohne Söhne Lace Porcelain Figural Group, Piano Recital, C.1901

A large and rare four-figure lace porcelain group by Ernst Bohne Söhne, Rudolstadt (Thuringia), c.1901. The composition presents a refined salon scene: a lady at the piano, a gentleman beside her, and a courting couple. The expressive modelling, delicate lace porcelain and fine gilded painting demonstrate the quality of Thuringian craftsmanship.                                                                                                                       The base carries the crown over N mark, associated with Ernst Bohne & Söhne and sometimes misattributed to Capodimonte. This mark was applied between 1901 and 1920 for export wares. The inscription Made in Germany confirms its export purpose. Ernst Bohne Söhne, established in the mid-19th century, received international recognition in the 1870s and 1880s and became renowned for ivory and Capo Di Monte imitations, biscuit figures, and Dresden-style lace porcelain. Early 20th-century examples are today highly collectible for their elegance and artistic quality. Condition: The lady on the right has lace damage to the front below the waist, the lower right side, and the rear. The other three figures have minor lace losses consistent with typical wear for fragile lacework (please see photos). A chip to the lower rim of the base at the right front. However, the overall integrity and decorative impact of the composition remain completely unaffected when viewed from the front, with faces, hands, flowers, gilding and painted surfaces preserved in excellent order. One rubber pad is missing from a foot of the wooden stand. Dimensions: H 24 cm; W 38 cm; D 11.5 cm. Weight: 3120 g (figure), 1203 g (stand). 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. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.