Set of four musical putti – Höchst porcelain – Germany, ca. 1767-1779
$1,200.00
Set of four musical putti in hand-painted porcelain, produced by Höchst (Germany) circa 1767–1779. Each figure bears the six-spoked wheel mark. An exceptional Rococo ensemble for collectors or refined interiors.
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Set of four musical putti – Höchst porcelain – Germany, ca. 1767-1779
This exceptional set of four porcelain figures depicts musical putti, individually modeled and hand-painted at the prestigious Höchst factory in Germany between 1767 and 1779, when sculptor Johann Peter Melchior was artistic director of the factory. This stylistic attribution is supported by the quality of the modeling, the iconography, and the expressive resources evident in each figure.
Each putto is seated, playing a different musical instrument: a tambourine, a flute, a violin, and a triangle. The modeling is exquisitely delicate, with great attention to facial features, gestures, and anatomical volumes. The enamel decoration is applied by hand in soft polychrome on a white enamel background, using a color palette typical of late German Rococo.
All the figures bear the original mark of the wheel in cobalt blue underglaze on the base, the identifying signature of Höchst porcelain, clearly visible on each piece. This mark, together with the technique and ornamental style, allows for precise dating to 1767-1779, coinciding with the factory’s peak production period.
This type of set is not only attractive from a decorative point of view, but also has significant historical and collectible value. Musical putti were a recurring theme in the decorative arts of the 18th century. In Höchst, they acquired a distinctive character, more tender and expressive than their counterparts in Meissen or Ludwigsburg.
Approximate dimensions (each figure):
- Height: 4.5 cm (1.77 inches)
- Width: 3 cm (1.18 inches)
- Depth: 4.5 cm (1.77 inches)
The set is in very good condition for its age. Three of the figures are structurally complete and intact. One figure (the putto with triangle) has a partial loss of the right index finger and some minor enamel wear on the left foot. All figures have fine, uniform surface craquelure, entirely consistent with their age and confirming their authenticity. No repainting or visible restoration is detected.
Context and recommended use:
Due to its intimate scale and sculptural character, this set is ideal for display in display cases, on shelves, or on coffee tables in classic, eclectic, or contemporary high-end interiors.
It can serve as a prominent curatorial element in refined settings or as a centerpiece in residential or institutional interior design projects.
It is also an excellent historical collector’s piece, thanks to its verified provenance, conservation, and integrity. Complete sets of this nature, clearly identified by mark and style, are rarely found on the market.