Volkstedt Porcelain Group “Le Toilette”, C. 1915, German Salon Porcelain

A high-quality porcelain figural group produced by the Aelteste Volkstedter Porzellanmanufaktur in Rudolstadt, Germany, circa 1915. The composition is based on the engraving ‘Le Toilette’ (1774) by Sigmund Freudenberger and captures an intimate salon moment with three figures in Rococo attire.

The seated lady is absorbed in reading, while her maid applies makeup and styles her hair. Nearby, a gentleman caller waits in polite silence, his gloves and hat laid across his knees.

The group is hand-painted in polychrome enamels with soft gilding and adorned with applied porcelain lace — a difficult and distinctive technique involving fabric lace dipped in porcelain slip, then kiln-fired to preserve the intricate openwork effect. This feature is typical of the finest Volkstedt productions of the early 20th century, particularly those created in the Dresden tradition.

The base bears the Volkstedt crowned monogram, the factory's underglaze blue mark used around 1915, confirming the production period.

Such refined compositions were originally intended for affluent and discerning clients, and today remain highly desirable among collectors of German porcelain and Rococo revival works.

Condition: The standing lady's head has been restored; the ladies' hands, where they meet the lace, have been very professionally repainted, visible only under magnification; a small piece of the gentleman's cane is broken off; minor expected lace losses. The gilding and painting are well preserved.

Dimensions: Height 22 cm, width 20 cm, depth 16 cm, weight: 1,282 grams

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.