Figure, Monkey Band

Dateca. 1756

Artist/Maker Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory (1745-1769)

MediumSoft-paste porcelain

DimensionsOH:5 5/8"; OW:2 1/2"; OD:2 5/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1952-624

DescriptionMolded, soft-paste porcelain figure of a male monkey standing on his hind legs, holding to his mouth with both hands a straight horn. His head, hands, and legs are painted with short brown lines to simulate hair. He wears a long wing; a long yellow jacket with gilt buttons; a purple waistcoat with gilt buttons; turquoise breeches with red-orange flowers at the knees; and a gold sword on his left hip. He is supported by a stump which extends from a Rococo style base with scrolls highlighted with gilding and applied flowers and leaves.

Label TextThe nine figures of musicians and singers that belong to the Chelsea monkey band all have Meissen prototypes. In this case, a costumed monkey plays a woodwind, perhaps a shawm or chalumeau.
InscribedNone
MarkingsAnchor painted red on back of stump near coat tails (Godden 868)
ProvenanceEx Coll: Humphrey W. Cook, Richmond, Surrey, and London (Sold: Christie, Manson, & Wood, LTD, CATALOGUE OF OLD ENGLISH FURNITURE AND PORCELAIN (May 16, 1945) lot 21) ; Sir Edward and Lady Baron, London,(purchasing agent for them: Frank Partridge & Son, Ltd., London)
Purchased from: Frank Partridge & Sons, Ltd.

Exhibition(s)