Figure, Monkey Band

Dateca. 1756

Artist/Maker Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory (1745-1769)

MediumSoft-paste porcelain

DimensionsH: 5 7/8in. (14.9cm); W: 2 1/2in. (6.4cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1952-615

DescriptionMolded, soft-paste porcelain figure of a male monkey standing on his hind legs, holding a drumstick in each hand. His head is cocked back and his mouth is open. The face, hands, and legs have been painted with short, quick brown lines to simulate hair. He wears a black tricorn hat with a red and gold bow and a line of gilding on the brim. He wears brown gloves, a pale purple jacket, a yellow waistcoat with gilt buttons, and blue breeches with pink flowers at the knees. He is supported by a stump which extends from a Rococo style base with scrolls highlighted with gilding and applied leaves and flowers.

Label TextThe nine figures of musicians and singers that belong to the Chelsea monkey band all have Meissen prototypes. This one carries a pair of sticks to beat on the drums carried over the shoulders of a second (accession 1952-622). At least two other examples of the model carrying the drums survive, but in one the monkey wears no hat and in the other he wears a cap and no wig.

InscribedNone
MarkingsAnchor painted red (partly missing) on lower stump at monkey's left.
ProvenanceEx Coll.: Humphrey W. Cook, Richmond, Surrey, and London (Sold: Christie, Manson, & Wood, Ltd., CATALOGUE OF OLD ENGLISH FURNITURE AND PORCELAIN, May 16, 1945 (London, 1945, lot 35)); Sir Edward and Lady Baron, London (purchasing agent: Frank Partridge & Son, Ltd., London at 1945 sale)
Purchased from: Frank Partridge & Sons

Exhibition(s)