- FINE ART
-
FURNITURE + LIGHTING
Shop By Category
Shop By Artist
- NEW + CUSTOM
- DECORATIVE ARTS
-
JEWELRY
Shop By Category
Shop By Artist
- INTERIORS
- MAGAZINE
Offered by:
Mayfair Gallery
39 South Audley Street
London W1K 2PP , England
Call Seller
44.207.491.3435
Showrooms
Large antique Schneeballen porcelain ewer by Meissen
$ 106,250
-
Tear Sheet Print
- Save
- BoardAdd to Board
-
-
Description
Large antique Schneeballen porcelain ewer by Meissen
German, Late 19th Century
Height 62cm, width 37cm, depth 33cm
Expertly fashioned by the esteemed Meissen porcelain manufactory, this exquisite ewer showcases an elaborate design inspired by the beauty of nature. The Schneeballen (snowball) decoration, first introduced at Meissen in the early 1740s, became highly sought after among European aristocracy. Despite its widespread admiration, this elaborate motif is seldom seen on ewers, making this particular example an exceptionally rare and valuable find.
The gracefully curved body of the ewer is adorned with finely sculpted white blossoms, each delicately accented with touches of orange and purple. Small porcelain spheres, intricately encrusted with additional floral embellishments, are scattered across the surface, enhancing the intricate craftsmanship. Flowing green branches wind around the form, their striking hues adding depth and contrast to the composition. Two meticulously crafted porcelain birds bring a lifelike quality to the piece - one, a vibrant cockatoo with delicate pink and yellow plumage, perches elegantly on a branch, while another, painted predominantly in golden-yellow tones, sits poised on the opposite side.
The ewer’s S-shaped handle is designed to resemble ribbon-tied foliage, gracefully arching over the piece and crowned by an additional bird, watching over its companions below. The upper rim of the ewer is particularly striking, with the porcelain sculpted to appear as if gently rolled away.
Resting on a flared socle base, the ewer is further enriched with intricate detailing. Gilded accents embellish both the upper and lower rims, complementing the lavish gold highlights adorning the ewer’s lip. Additional porcelain birds, perched amid green branches, further enhance the naturalistic aesthetic of the piece.
The underside of the ewer bears Meissen’s iconic underglaze blue mark.
A near identical pair of ewers can be found in the esteemed collection of the Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire, managed by the National Trust.
A magnificent display of Meissen’s unparalleled porcelain artistry, this remarkable ewer stands as a testament to the refinement, elegance, and masterful craftsmanship of 18th century European ceramics.
Artist/Maker: Meissen -
More Information
Documentation: Signed Origin: Germany Period: 19th Century Materials: Porcelain. Creation Date: Late 19th Century Styles / Movements: Traditional Dealer Reference #: 17864 Incollect Reference #: 789320 -
Dimensions
W. 14.57 in; H. 24.41 in; D. 12.99 in; W. 37 cm; H. 62 cm; D. 33 cm;
Message from Seller:
Mayfair Gallery, located in London’s exclusive Mayfair district, specializes in exceptional art and antiques from the 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring works by renowned artists and craftsmen. With a focus on quality and historical importance, our diverse collection unites exquisite pieces that exemplify unparalleled artistry. | jamie@mayfairgallery.com | 44.207.491.3435 |
Sign In To View Price
close
You must Sign In to your account to view the price. If you don’t have an account, please Create an Account below.
More Listings from Mayfair Gallery View all 1686 listings
No Listings to show.
- Massive antique Flemish tapestry of Don Quixote by Leyniers
- Pair of antique French marble, ormolu and marquetry pedestals
- French Impressionist painting of a marina scene by René Fontayne
- Modern Italian silver, diamond and malachite eagle model by Giaconi & Gioli
- Sèvres style porcelain and gilt bronze three-piece clock set
- Very large antique German hand-painted porcelain vase by KPM
- Antique English figurative oil painting by Charles Spencelayh
- Pair of antique floral opaline glass vases by Baccarat
- Large antique oil painting of an Italian street scene by Franz R. Unterberger
- Massive antique French Louis XIV style ormolu chandelier
- Gold bracelet with painted enamel plaques portraying the Alps
- Four 12th Century Islamic semi-precious stone bead chains
- Large antique Orientalist oil painting of a street scene by E. Jeel
- Antique Meissen porcelain plaque after Correggio