Vintage Meissen Style Porcelain Commedia dell'arte Pierrot Harlequin 11" Figurine

Add a touch of comedic whimsy to your collection with this vintage Meissen-style reproduction Pierrot or Harlequin porcelain figurine. 

Hand painted in enamels and gold gilt, this commedia dell'arte figurine depicts either Harlequin or Pierrot, the beloved characters from the Italian Commedia dell'arte tradition. Commedia dell'Arte, or 'artistic comedy' was the popular improvised type of comedy which flourished in Italy from the 16th to the 18th centuries and had an impact on theatre throughout Europe, especially France. Commedia plays were acted along pre-arranged scenarios but relied on the performers' ability for improvisation and ensured their popularity with a mixture of knockabout comedy, acrobatic leaping and romantic interest. In the 1740s the Meissen modeller J. J. Kaendler devised a wide range of porcelain figures for table decoration. 

This figure, while a much more modern reproduction (1980s), with his histrionic gestures, exaggerated facial expressions and pose capture the spirit of Kaendler's dynamic sculptures.

EXCELLENT CONDITION ~ No nicks, chips, cracks, flea bites, or damage.

This piece features our character half sitting on a stump.

He is holding an alarmed dog under one arm, while playfully pulling its tail with his other hand. He is wearing a French style harlequin clown costume, with ruffled neck and cuffs, decorated with a design of multi-colored diamonds, with gold accents, paired with a pair of white French pantaloons with gold cuffs.. On his head, he is wearing a brick-colored (Fez?) hat. There are applied green leaves around his feet on the base of the figurine.

Measures approx. 10" tall, with a base measuring 5 1/2" long x 3 1/2" wide.

This would be a wonderful addition to your decor or collection, or perhaps a great gift idea.

If you have any questions please ask.

Thanks for Looking!