A charming pair of German porcelain figures, modelled in the popular Dresden style and dating to around 1915. Each figure stands on an identical circular base with a relief gilt border, finely hand-painted in vibrant colours typical of Thuringian production of the early 20th century.                                           The pair depicts a rural genre scene: the male figure holds a birdcage in one hand and feeds a small bird with a worm in his other hand, a detail rarely preserved in such figures. The female figure carries a large basket overflowing with flowers and foliage.                                                           The female figure is marked with the official “Volkstedt crown and 1762” underglaze blue mark, introduced as the factory’s 150th anniversary emblem in 1915. The male figure bears a blue underglaze N above a crown and the word FOREIGN, a Capodimonte-inspired export mark used by German Thuringian decorating studios and partners of the Volkstedt factory, specifically for the British market. Large manufacturers such as Volkstedt allowed affiliated workshops to apply their own export marks to porcelain blanks, resulting in pairs with identical bases but different marks. The FOREIGN mark was a legal requirement for UK imports, while GERMANY was used for other destinations.                                                                                                                                  A good example of early 20th-century Thuringian export porcelain, combining factory and decorator marks in one pair. Collectible and decorative.

Condition: The male figure is in excellent original condition, with no visible damage or restoration. The female figure has a loss to the fingers of her right hand; otherwise, it is in very good condition with no other losses or repairs. Gilding and painted details are well preserved.

Dimensions: Heights: male 19.4 cm (406 g), female 21 cm (410 g).

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.