Anton The Rhinoceros

To celebrate the 300-year anniversary of the Meissen manufactory, this striking sculpture of an Indian armoured rhinoceros by Johann Gottlieb Kirchner has been reissued in miniature form for the first time ever. Starting out as a porcelain modeller at MEISSEN, the sculptor would go on to become a master of large-scale animal sculptures. This rhinoceros was designed based on a copper engraving by Abraham de Bruyn from 1583 - a piece inspired by Albrecht Durer's famous "Rhinocerus", which itself was based on a woodcut by an unknown artist. With its fine reliefs, countless sculptural details and intricate surface structure, the armoured rhinoceros is a true masterpiece of embossing. Kirchner's sculptural work closely mirrors the original drawing including all of its anatomical incongruities, creating a rhinoceros that appears to be wearing a suit of medieval armour. Though stylised, the depiction is in fact rooted in reality, with the thick folds of skin on Indian rhinoceroses resembling heavy armoured plates. Kirchner has translated the knobby protrusions on the rhinoceros' legs into a scaly structure reminiscent of chain mail. On the skin, the protrusions appear as delicate reliefs. A second, small, spiral horn extends from the back of the animal's neck - a false impression that had already made it into Durer's woodcut. It is a mythical creature - an animal that does not exist in nature. It should come as no surprise, that the 2019 "Limited Masterworks" reissue has been decorated with naturalistic roses whose delicate petals stand in stark contrast to the sculptural depiction of the powerful, warlike beast. The painted roses seem to be just another layer on top of the armour. However, painting these images by hand onto the dynamic shape of this porcelain piece, as well as transferring a two-dimensional image onto a three-dimensional object, both require exceptional skill on the part of the painter.

Delivery terms:

Delivery of the ordered goods on our webstore is carried out to any country and city of the world.

Transport company:

We cooperate with the following courier postal transport services:

EMS - Express Mail Service

DPD - Dynamic Parcel Distribution

Our own couriers and vehicles.

In each individual case, we are ready to discuss possible options for methods and delivery conditions in accordance with the needs of our customers. Our task is to make delivery as convenient, efficient and guaranteed for both sides of the contract as possible.

Payment Methods:

Bank transfer or electronic transfer based on the invoice.

Cost of delivery:

Shipping cost is calculated on a case-by-case basis.

On average, the calculation is 10% of the value of the ordered product.

In the case of taxing the parcel by customs service, the expenses are borne by the customer.

Delivery terms:

1. For products that are available in our showroom in Karlovy Vary - delivery is carried out during maximum 3-4 weeks;

2. For products that are not on stock in our showroom in Karlovy Vary:

* LLADRO / AIDA / LOBMEYR / AZ-DESIGN / HG ATELIER: maximum 2 months for the production of the order + maximum 2 weeks for delivery;

* MEISSEN / HEREND / SOHER: from 6 to 12 months for the production of the order + maximum 2 weeks for delivery;

After your application for ordering a product through our online store, we will contact you via e-mail or phone to provide you with more information about the anticipated date of delivery and ways of payment of the order.

* ROBBE & BERKING: 2 weeks for the production of the order + maximum 3 weeks for delivery.

We will try to arrange delivery at the most convenient time for you, upon prior contact with you.

Product packaging:

Due to the particular fragility and value of the assortment of our online store, we are very attentive to the careful packaging of the products that you order. Our packaging protects products from moisture and damages and allows you to get items safe and sound.

Product insurance:

All products from our webstore are insured.

In the unlikely and unfortunate case of receiving a broken product, we kindly ask you to notify us about this within 24 hours, providing your message with pictures and description of the problem. In this case, we will request you to send it back (at our expense) and try to replace it as soon as possible.

Please note that the parcel must be opened in the presence of the courier. In case of any damages, you can return the parcel to the courier service.