Lioness (one of a pair), Meissen porcelain manufactory, Saxony

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.

Kirchner was born in Tiefenfurt in Silesia (now Poland) and trained as a sculptor in Breslau (now Wroclaw). In 1733 he was invited to work at the newly established porcelain factory in Meissen, near Dresden, where he became one of the most important modellers of the time. Kirchner's early work at Meissen included small-scale figures and groups, often inspired by classical mythology or contemporary courtly life. He also designed tableware and other decorative objects such as vases and clocks. His style was characterised by a delicate and refined technique, with an emphasis on naturalistic detail and expressive movement. In the 1740s Kirchner began to produce larger and more complex works, such as the Four Continents Group (1748-50) and the Triumph of Amphitrite Fountain (1750-53), both of which are in the collection of the Zwinger in Dresden. These works demonstrate Kirchner's mastery of composition and his ability to convey a sense of dynamic energy through his figures. Kirchner's reputation as a modeller was further enhanced by his collaboration with the French sculptor Johann Joachim Kändler, who joined the Meissen factory in 1731. Together they created some of the most iconic pieces of Meissen porcelain, including the Swan Service (1737-42) and the Monkey Orchestra (c.1753). Kirchner continued to work in Meissen until his death in 1768. His legacy as a sculptor and modeller is still celebrated today, and his works are highly prized by collectors and museums around the world.