Von Schierholz Porcelain Manufactory - Figurine - An elephant with raised trunk - 1907-1927 - Porcelain

Von Schierholz Plaue – Antique Hand-Painted Porcelain Elephant, Germany, ca. 1907–1927.

No Reserve Price

An exceptionally charming and richly decorated antique porcelain elephant produced by the renowned Von Schierholz Porcelain Manufactory in Plaue, Thuringia, Germany, dating from the first decades of the 20th century.

The elephant is depicted in a lively and expressive pose with its trunk raised high, giving the figure an almost celebratory character. The brilliant white porcelain body provides a striking background for the elaborate ceremonial covering, richly decorated in deep cobalt blue, iron red, green and yellow, with delicate floral motifs and extensive gilded details.

Particularly attractive is the contrast between the smooth white porcelain and the intensely coloured textile decoration. Raised ornamental details add texture and depth, while generous hand-applied gilding accentuates the borders of the covering, tassels, tusks, trunk, ears, tail and even the individual toenails. The result is an unusually vivid and luxurious decorative object, full of character despite its relatively compact proportions.

The exotic subject and sumptuous ornamentation reflect the continuing European fascination with Asian and Oriental imagery during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With its bold colours and sculptural presence, the elephant works equally well as a collectible piece of historic porcelain or as a distinctive decorative accent in a contemporary interior.

The underside bears the characteristic Von Schierholz factory mark with three oak leaves within a shield surmounted by a crown, as well as the impressed number 3685. This type of factory mark was used during the early decades of the 20th century, placing the piece approximately within the 1910–1930 period.

Height: approximately 14 cm.

Condition

The figure is preserved in exceptionally good condition, particularly considering its age of around a century or more. The extensive gilding remains remarkably well preserved, and almost all of the original polychrome decoration is still present.

There is some localized age-related wear and loss to the cobalt-blue decoration of the ceremonial covering, clearly visible in the photographs. Apart from this limited wear, the overall appearance is remarkably fresh and the piece presents beautifully.

About Von Schierholz

The history of the Plaue porcelain manufactory dates back to 1816, when porcelain production was established in Plaue, Thuringia. During the 19th century the enterprise became closely associated with the Schierholz family, under whose direction it developed into an important German producer of sophisticated decorative porcelain.

The manufactory became particularly renowned for its ornamental and figurative porcelain, elaborate decorative objects, chandeliers and lithophanes. Its technically demanding production and extensive range of models helped establish Plaue porcelain far beyond the region. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Von Schierholz had become strongly associated with richly ornamented Thuringian porcelain intended for elegant European interiors.

In 1917 the company celebrated its centenary, and it continued producing high-quality decorative and figurative porcelain throughout the interwar period. Pieces from this era are particularly characteristic of the manufactory’s combination of elaborate forms, brilliant polychrome decoration and generous gilding.

With its unusual subject, vibrant hand-painted decoration, abundant surviving gold and excellent state of preservation, this elephant is a beautiful example of early 20th-century German decorative porcelain and a highly appealing piece for collectors of historic European ceramics.

Will be carefully packaged and well protected