{"product_id":"life-size-sau-pig-in-pine-and-jute-for-meier-spielwaren-germany-c-1980-231-4-x-401-2","title":"Life-Size “Sau” Pig in Pine and Jute for Meier Spielwaren, Germany, c. 1980 - 23¼\" x 40½\"","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eA wonderfully characterful life-size pig sculpture, corresponding closely to the \u003ci\u003eSau \u003c\/i\u003emodel designed by sculptor Hanns-Peter Krafft and designer Tamara Rumpelt for the German manufacturer Meier Spielwaren as part of its KM-Objekte collection, introduced in 1979. Built around a wooden structure, the body is tightly covered in warm ochre-toned jute, while the head, legs, and other details are carved from solid pine. The designers made particularly expressive use of the timber’s pronounced grain, arranging and shaping the sections so that the growth rings become an almost graphic pattern across the face. Small inset eyes lend the animal a remarkably alert expression, while its tiny, delicately carved legs appear humorously undersized beneath the substantial body. The visible hand-stitching and naturally textured materials reinforce its handmade character. The piece remains in superb condition and is sufficiently robust to be used as occasional seating. No maker’s mark is visible on this example, so the attribution is based on its close correspondence in design, materials, and construction to known examples of the \u003ci\u003eSau.\u003c\/i\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe Sau formed part of an early collaboration between Hanns-Peter Krafft and Tamara Rumpelt for Meier Spielwaren’s KM-Objekte collection. Krafft is especially known for his sculptural animal furniture, in which natural materials and simplified forms give familiar animals a strong physical presence and an appealing sense of character. While his celebrated sheep stools remained in production for many years, the jute-covered pig appears to have been produced in much smaller numbers, principally during the late 1970s and 1980s. Each was assembled by hand, and the natural variations in the pine grain and jute weave ensure subtle differences from one example to another. The present piece is consistent with this model in its proportions, materials, inset eyes, carved head and feet, and jute-covered body... \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eAs a collectible design piece, it has the scale and individuality to act as a visual anchor within a room. Used as occasional seating or displayed purely as sculpture, its instantly recognizable silhouette gives it a distinctive character that will appeal to collectors of postwar design as much as to those looking for a singular, sculptural element to give an interior personality and focus. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition and patina consistent with age.\u003cbr\u003eApprox. overall 23¼\" high x 40½\" long x 11\" wide x \u003cbr\u003eApprox. overall 59cm high x 103cm long x 28cm wide x\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chez Pluie","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251411046738,"sku":"25194","price":4895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1166\/6698\/files\/DSC04120_3b10ef4c-0bf2-4a7f-bcff-01bfdd0ba29f.jpg?v=1786625594","url":"https:\/\/www.chezpluie.com\/products\/life-size-sau-pig-in-pine-and-jute-for-meier-spielwaren-germany-c-1980-231-4-x-401-2","provider":"Chez Pluie","version":"1.0","type":"link"}