Black Biscuit Collection

The animal models of this collection are figures which, with the exception of the rhinoceros (18th century) were designed by major artists such as Theodor Kärner, Wilhelm Neuhäuser and August Göhring between 1908 and 1936. At the start of the 20th century, porcelain animal figures were “en vogue” throughout Europe. In 1914 Ernst Jaffé wrote: “We have all seen lots of porcelain animals in the past, but the ones from Nymphenburg were different.” In addition to their unique aesthetic beauty, the main feature of the figures is how extraordinarily true to life they are.

The animal models are made of biscuit porcelain (unglazed porcelain). This material is particularly good for highlighting the excellent sculptural qualities of the Nymphenburg animals. The black colouration of the material makes the animal figures rich in detail.