Johann Joachim Kändler

Johann Joachim Kändler (June 15, 1706 – May 18, 1775) was a German sculptor who became the most important modeller of Meissen porcelain, and perhaps of all European porcelain. He worked at Meissen from 1731 until his death in 1775.

Meissen pieces of all sorts were normally made with moulds mostly designed by Kändler, who also supervised the production of the moulds and checked the quality of the end products. He was often not involved with painting the pieces, a task that could vary among various examples.

In addition to his work as Meissen's master modeller, Kändler also serve in other roles at the factory. First as chief of sculptural shaping, and later as an arcanist, he led the porcelain production effort through the restless period of the Seven Years' War against great odds.