Rooster & Barnyard Family

Overview This porcelain inkstand is a nice example of German figural porcelain, attributed to the renowned makers Conta & Boehme of Pößneck, Thuringia. Modeled as a lively barnyard scene, this piece combines decorative whimsy with functional desk utility. The form is documented in Conta & Boehme Porcelain by Janice and Richard Vogel, confirming its attribution despite lacking the full factory mark.

The Figural Scene (The Lid) The upper portion of the inkstand serves as a removable lid, fully sculpted in the round. It features a narrative barnyard scene centered around a family of chickens:

• The Rooster: Perched high atop a rustic rail fence, a rooster stands with his beak open in mid-crow. He is painted with a distinctive iridescent purple/magenta luster on his breast and tail feathers, contrasting with his red comb and wattle.
• The Hens & Chicks: Below the rooster, two hens with tan and brown plumage are gathered around a shallow feeding dish. They are joined by two small white chicks, creating a cohesive family vignette.
• Setting: The birds rest on a textured mound modeled to resemble a grassy farmyard floor, accented with gilt highlights.

The Base and Interior The figural top sits upon a substantial oval base featuring molded relief decoration.

• Exterior: The sides of the base are embellished with scrolling foliage and stylized leaf patterns, highlighted with heavy gilding. Two small, scrolled handles flank the sides.
• Interior: Lifting the figural cover reveals the functional interior, which contains two recessed wells. The set retains its two original porcelain inserts:

1. Inkwell: A cylindrical pot with an open mouth for dipping a quill or nib.
2. Pounce Pot (Sander): A matching pot with a perforated shaker top, used to sprinkle pounce (fine powder or sand) over wet ink to speed drying.

Markings and Attribution

• Mark: The underside is impressed with the number “7”, a mold or shape number characteristic of the factory’s production methods.
• Reference: This specific model is identified in the collector’s reference guide, Conta & Boehme Porcelain by Janice and Richard Vogel.