Object Description
Large pair of German porcelain vases by KPM
German, c. 1850
Height 42cm, width 25cm, depth 19cm
Crafted by one of Europe’s most renowned porcelain manufacturers, this large pair of vases demonstrates some of KPM’s best work.
Both vases are of a very similar design. The front of each one is elaborately decorated with a large hand-painted vignette rendered in bright hues with greens, blues, and creams predominating. The first painting depicts Dorstadt manor while the second is a view of Dorstadt in Lower Saxony. It is in the second painting that figures can be spotted walking next to the field. Each painting is framed by a superb gilt border, the scrolling design extending onto the white porcelain bodies. Surrounding them on all four sides are delicate illustrations of flower bunches, adding a pop of colour to the gilt ornamentation.
The reverse of the pieces is of a similar design but the large cartouche is filled with a ribbon-tied green ivy wreath framing the sentence reading ‘Erinnerung an Dorstant’ (‘Remembrance of Dorstadt’).
Two acanthus-shaped handles extend from the sides of the vases, each one terminating with a mythical beast head, adding intrigue to the design. Square, gilt plinths support the antiques. The underside is marked with the underglaze blue KPM marks.
KPM (Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur) was founded in 1763 by Frederick the Great of Prussia (1712-1786), quickly becoming one of Europe’s leading producers of hard-paste porcelain. The manufactory still operates today crafting a variety of exceptional pieces.
Showcasing the outstanding skills of artists at KPM, this pair of vases celebrates the beauty of 19th century decorative arts.