German Porcelain Monkey Musicians

An orchestra of porcelain monkey musicians from Germany, dressed in 18th-century court attire, resting on Rocaille-style pedestals and featuring a polychrome decoration in vibrant colors. High-quality pieces dating from the late 19th to early 20th century.

There are 8 figures in total:
- the violinist,
- the horn player,
- the cellist,
     - the bagpiper,
- the tambourine player,
- the flutist,
- the trumpeter,
- and the conductor.

They measure 13 cm, and the conductor measures 15 cm.
They are all in perfect condition with no restoration.

These little monkey musicians were extremely popular in the 18th century. They are believed to be caricatures of the court of Augustus III of Saxony. The Marquise de Pompadour, who was fond of these delicate satirical figurines, commissioned 19 of them.

Joachim Kandler, a famous sculptor and modeler at the Meissen Manufactory, was the one who first created them around 1740.
They were later reproduced by various German manufacturers.