Johann Joachim Kändler - Rooster (one of a pair), Meissen porcelain manufactory

Johann Joachim Kandler was a prominent German sculptor of the 18th century. He was born on 16 September 1706 in Fischbach, Saxony, and began his career as an apprentice at the Meissen porcelain factory. Kandler quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the factory's chief modeller in 1731. During his time at Meissen, Kandler created many famous sculptures, including the Four Continents and the Swan Service. He was renowned for his ability to create lifelike figures and animals, and his work was highly sought after by collectors throughout Europe. In 1756 Kandler left Meissen and moved to St Petersburg, where he worked for the Empress Elisabeth of Russia. He created many sculptures for the Russian court, including a series of porcelain figurines depicting scenes from Aesop's Fables. Kandler returned to Germany in 1764 and settled in Dresden, where he worked as a sculptor until his death on 18 April 1775. Today, his works can be found in museums and private collections around the world, and he is considered one of the most important sculptors of the 18th century.

The Meissen Porcelain Manufactory was founded by Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, who was determined to create a porcelain factory that could rival the fine porcelain produced in China. He enlisted the help of Johann Friedrich Böttger, a chemist who had been trying to develop a formula for making porcelain for several years. Together they developed a formula that used kaolin, feldspar and quartz to produce a hard, white, translucent porcelain that was similar in quality to Chinese porcelain. The Meissen Porcelain Manufactory quickly became famous for its high-quality products, which included figurines, vases, plates and other decorative items. Over the centuries, the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory has continued to innovate and refine its production techniques. Today, it is still considered one of the world's leading porcelain manufacturers and its products are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.

• Chinese rooster (one of a pair), Meissen porcelain manufactory - Picryl
• Chinese rooster (one of a pair), Meissen porcelain manufactory
• Hen with chicks (one of a pair), Staffordshire, England - Collections