Buddhist Divinity
made ca. 1715–20, decorated ca. 1718–20
Medium
Hard-paste porcelain
Dimensions
Height: 3 15/16 in. (10 cm)
Classification
Ceramics-Porcelain
Culture
German, Meissen
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of R. Thornton Wilson, in memory of his wife, Florence Ellsworth Wilson, 1977
Accession Number
1977.216.35
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate porcelain figurine, titledBuddhist Divinity*, crafted by the renowned Meissen Manufactory Germany around 1715–20, with decoration added circa 1718–20. Modeled by Georg Funcke, a skilled sculptor at the factory, it stands just under 4 inches tall (10 cm) and exemplifies early European mastery of hard-paste porcelain translucent, durable material that had been a closely guarded secret of Chinese artisans for centuries. Produced in Saxony under the patronage of Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, Meissen's innovations marked a pivotal moment in ceramics histor...
About the Artist
Meissen Manufactory|Georg Funcke · 1710–present
The Meissen Manufactory, established on June 6, 1710, by Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, marked the dawn of true hard-paste porcelain production in Europe. Nestled at Albrechtsburg Castle in Meissen near Dresden, the Royal Polish and Electoral Saxon Porcelain Manufactory arose from alchemical experiments begun in 1708 by physicist Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus and p...