Monumental Meissen centrepiece "African Elephant" as a candlestick from the "Reineke Fuchs" table decoration An elephant with a retracted trunk stands on an irregularly rectangular, rounded and slightly curved base, surrounded by a blanket with tassels. On its back rests a saddlecloth with radially hanging tassels and tassels that correspond to the diamond-shaped pattern of the blanket. A canopy-like crown with a dog in the centre, flanked by four birds sitting on cushion-shaped pedestals. A total of nine bud-shaped stylised candle holders in various positions and on differently curved arms line the saddle. Painted predominantly in coral red as well as capuchin brown and black with gold decoration. Designed by Max Esser, 1924, model no. 79351, year mark. Centreboard mark. H. 72 cm. W. 50 cm. In reminiscence of the magnificent table designs of the Baroque period, Esser created a table decoration consisting of 75 pieces between 1919 and 1926, which thematically takes up Goethe's epic "Reineke Fuchs". In addition to "Reineke Fuchs" as the main piece, this included other animal figures such as the lion, bear and baboon, the monumental Indian elephant and its counterpart, the African elephant, as well as other bowls and candlesticks. The predominantly expressive iron-red painting corresponds to Esser's "Strahlenmuster" service designed in 1926 and perfectly complements the centrepiece, which is designed as a complete work of art. See Beyer, Zeit Zeichen, Meissener Manuskripte XIV, pp. 82-83; see Marusch-Krohn, Meissener Porzellan 1918-1933, pp. 105 ff; see Schärer, Auf den Punkt gebracht, pp. 80 ff. A monumental porcelain centre piece "African elephant" from the table decoration "Reineke Fuchs" modelled by M. Esser. Date mark. Crossed swords mark. Meissen. After 2000.