Rare Meissen table decoration with an ensemble of figures on a gilt bronze mount. Open-worked oval base supported by large volutes in relief. Two recesses for porcelain figurines at the sides. A young harlequin with bagpipes sitting on a rocky mound covered with leaves and flowers. As counterpart a young Tyrolean woman (or Columbine) in summer costume, playing a hurdy-gurdy. At the back ascending branches with delicately shaped, colourfully painted so-called Vincennes blossoms. A pug sitting in the centre with raised paw. Polychrome painting with gold decoration. Designed by Johann Joachim Kaendler. Unw. rest.; Minim. dam.; Figure h. 5,5 cm - 14 cm. Total h. 19 cm. W. 27.5 cm. A number of rare table decorations of this kind arranged with pugs or Commedia dell' Arte figures can be found in important collections such as the T & T Collection or the Burda Collection. Cf. cat. The T & T Collection. Porcelain Pugs. A Passion, no. 86 (pug); cf. Kunze-Köllensperger, Guttmann Collection, no. 38 (pug); cat. Kunze-Köllensperger, Burda Collection, no. 110 (pair of figures). Provenance: Dissolution of an important German private collection - part I. A rare gilt-bronze mounted table decoration arranged with porcelain figures of a harlequin with bagpipe and a Tyrolean girl (or Columbine) with hurdy-gurdy. Insignificantly restored. Minor chipped. Meissen/France. Mid 18th cent.