Karner 1906 Nymphenburg Dachshund & Fox Group Porcelain Figurine #0186

Porcelain : Decorative & Figurines : Nymphenburg

 

Magnificent antique Nymphenburg porcelain group figure demonstrating the powerful movement and interaction between a Dachshund dog and fox, a figurine designed by Theodor Karner in 1906. Known for having pushed the technical limits of ceramic sculpture, this Kärner creation is a true work of art that is then brought to a masterful finish through its hand-painted coloration and features.

This smooth-coat dachshund is a fabulous testament to the breed, originally bred in Germany to pursue and bring badgers, foxes, and other prey to retreat to their burrows. Of equal size but greater spirit, this dachshund has courageously cornered and is now nose to nose with a red fox, each animal flashing the threat of sharp teeth.

Prior to joining Nymphenburg in 1905, Kärner trained at Hutschenreuther from 1898 through 1903, followed by another year at the Art School in Munich, with his interest in the field of animal sculpture inspired by animal painter Heinrich von Zügel. This figure was designed one year after Kärner’s most famous dog piece -- the lying Mastiff, which was designed in August 1905 and later exhibited in the 1910 Brussels World Fair -- and prior to being commissioned in the creation of his hunting riders group.

This figure measures 11” long and 2-1/2” high. Marked on the side with the Nymphenburg shield, with the sculpture number 4 186 on the underside and the painter’s initials JP on the rear of the base. In excellent condition, with no nicks, chips, cracks, or repairs.

Source: Alfred Ziffer, “Nymphenburger Moderne,” pp. 166-168.

Item ID: 01786