Rare Chelsea Porcelain Tyrolean Dancers Figure by Joseph Willems

A very rare Chelsea porcelain figure of Tyrolean dancers,…
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A very rare Chelsea porcelain figure of Tyrolean dancers, modelled by Joseph Willems, after the Meissen original by J.F. Eberlein. English circa 1752, red anchor mark. Provenance: Oscar Dusendsohn collection, sold Sothebys, December 6 1960 lot 41, Parkside Antiques Melbourne (Pat Daniels) 23/03/1989 (AUD$31,500). Robert Burke collection no 120. Exhibited: Flowers and Fables. A Survey of Chelsea porcelain 1745-1769. National Gallery of Victoria. Melbourne. 1 November 1984-10 February 1985. Number 70. Illustrated full page in colour in the NGV publication, written by Margaret Legge that was published for the exhibition Page 41. Reference: This group is copied from the Meissen model of Harlequin and Columbine Dancing, modelled by J J Kandler in 1743. A Meissen example was probably one of those lent by Sir Charles Hanbury Williams to Sir Everard Fawkener for Chelsea to make copies. Variously known as the 'Dutch Dancers', 'Tyrolean Dancers' and 'Polish Dancers', it was copied in Chinese Export porcelain, at Chelsea and at Bow. Meissen, Chelsea and Chinese versions are illustrated by Rosalie Wise Sharp, Ceramics, Ethics and Scandal (2002), pp.150-152, and another, slightly later, Bow example by Peter Bradshaw, Bow Porcelain Figures (1992), p.143. 18.5 cm high, 15.5 cm wide base 7.8 cm wide

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  • Harlequin - The Harlequin is a character from the Italian commedia dell'arte, a form of theatre typified by characters wearing masks, and acting out unscripted performances. There are corresponding characters in the French and Spanish theatre.

    In dress, he is characterised by his hat, mask, and colourful diamond-pattern tunic.

    Columbine is the mistress of Harlequin, and the wife of Pierrot.
  • Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
  • Columbine - Columbine is a character from the Italian commedia dell'arte, a form of theatre typified by characters wearing masks, and acting out unscripted performances. There are corresponding characters in French and Spanish theatre.

    Columbine is the mistress of Harlequin, and the wife of Pierrot.

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