Large representative sphinx from Meissen The fully sculpted depiction of the hybrid creature with the body of a "dog" or lioness with a female face rests majestically on its legs, its head slightly tilted to one side. She wears the ornamental saddlecloth in relief over her back, covering her shoulders and torso. The head is adorned with a bonnet and crowned with a diadem and a headband. Polychrome painting with gold staffage. Designed by Johann Gottlieb Kirchner, 1732, model no. B 107, gold outline partially added, crossed swords mark. H. 42 cm. L. 59 cm. Presumably originally conceived as a pair for the presentation in the Japanese Palace, illustrating Augustus the Strong's extensive interest in non-European art. Kirchner had previously created two smaller sphinxes, which probably served as models for the large model. The modeller mentions "Zwey Spinxe Verändert=groß" in a work report. Cf. Pietsch, Meissen Porcelain Sculpture, no. 107; Old moulding: Cf. SKD Dresden, Porcelain Collection, inv. no. PE 5753. A large, representative porcelain sphinx modelled by J. G. Kirchner. Gold partly added. Crossed swords mark. Meissen. 2nd half 19th cent.