porcelain, polychromed and gilt, showing a tailor and a billy goat wearing a pince-nez on the nose, the tailor wearing a black tricorne with gold borders and a wig with black braid bow, on the blue bag strap with gilt trimmings there is a brooch with painted scissors and a spool of thread, purple and dark red balls of wool are hanging down on the side, he is wearing a white shirt with ruffles, a waistcoat and coat with colourful patterns, gilt trimmings and buttons, underneath the coat a measure, reverse side showing on the strap a bag with sewing utensils and black reins in his hands, the billy-goat has a leather belt on its back with a pin cushion, at front with two wine bottles on its neck and scissors on the horn, height 43 cm, 41 cm, small restorations, Meissen, underglaze blue crossed swords mark, second half of the 19th century, model by Johann Joachim Kändler 1737 (Ru)

Lit.:
Otto Walcha, Anekdotisches Porzellan, 1981, pp. 10-12 with depiction. Legend has it the depicted is the court tailor of Augustus III, who had a great favour to ask of Augustus III one day: “The court tailor asked him one day to reward his work instead of payment with the opportunity to attend the court table. He was not rebuffed, but was asked to return to the royal palace a few weeks later. The tailor was greatly looking forward to the honour. Then this group was ordered from the Meißner Manufaktur. When the court tailor appeared on the day he was asked to attend the court table, he was led from one room to the next, until he could hardly contain his excitement. He must have been quite surprised and deeply disappointed when he reached the room with a decorated festive table to find at the centre his image made of porcelain.”