An Impressive Porcelain Collection Heads to Sotheby's Cologne

In the 19th and 20th centuries, members of the Ehlen family devoted themselves to collecting predominantly German porcelain creations from the renowned manufactories of the 18th century. The outcome was a collection of scholarly excellence that mirrors the evolution of porcelain production during that period. In an online auction titled 'The Ehlen Collection - A Rhenish Porcelain Collection', Sotheby's Cologne will auction a portion of this remarkable collection in 121 lots from 27 February to 6 March.

The porcelain creations originate from significant manufactories such as Meissen (established in 1710), Höchst (1746-1796, re-established in 1947), Fürstenberg (founded in 1747), Frankenthal (1755-1799), and Ludwigsburg (1758-2016).

Left: A rare Höchst model of a parrot, circa 1750-55. Photo © Sotheby's. Right: An extremely rare Böttger black-glazed red stoneware coffee pot with gilded and cold-painted decoration, circa 1711-15. Photo © Sotheby's

Highlights include an extremely rare Meissen coffee lidded jug crafted from red Böttger stoneware, which blends a Turkish-inspired form with gilded chinoiserie. Additionally, there's the large model of a parrot atop a high rocaille base, originating from the Höchst manufactory. Typically adorned with enamel, items of this kind are commonly fashioned from faience. The current piece represents one of only two porcelain pieces known.

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A polychrome Iznik ceramic plate, Turkey, Ottoman, circa 1575 Photo © Sotheby's

In addition to significant 18th-century porcelain, the Ehlen Collection also features glass, faience, and stoneware. It includes excellent examples of Delft and Iznik ceramics, both considered precursors to European porcelain production, which was inspired by Chinese imports. Iznik ceramics, subsidised by the Ottoman Sultan, were crafted in Iznik in western Anatolia from the 15th to the 17th century.

The estimated prices range from 600 to 30,000 euros for the lots, but all will be offered without a minimum price. Additionally, further pieces from the Ehlen Collection will be auctioned at Hargesheimer Kunstauktionen in Düsseldorf on 7 March.

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About the author

Gritta von Toll

Gritta von Toll is the German Editor at Barnebys Magazine. She completed studies in pre- and early history and archaeology, and since 2015, after a short detour into the world of advertising, she has worked at Barnebys, where she immerses herself in art history in order to bring bygone epochs closer to today's readers.