Object Description
Pair of very large floral Rococo-style Meissen potpourri vases
German, Late 19th Century
Height 89cm, width 44cm, depth 33cm
These charming vases were manufactured by Meissen, Europe’s oldest porcelain manufactory. Each features impressive floral and figurative design representational of the best of German porcelain wares.
The pieces are topped by richly ornamented lids. Surmounted by extensively applied three-dimensional flowers and greenery, the designs create the illusion of a real flower bouquet. Below the flower bunch, the porcelain base is revealed. Decorated with rocaille motifs and coloured in pale blue, pink and shining gold, the pierced detailing enables the easy diffusion of potpourri scent.
Rococo style genre scenes adorn the baluster-shaped body of each vase. Set in a woodland, the intricate paintings portray figures dressed in typical 18th century garments. On the second vase, a couple is joined by a lady in a reclined position holding a basket full of flowers.
A pair of twin pale blue rocaille-shaped handles are mounted on both sides of the vases. Richly decorated with butterflies, roses, carnations and sweet peas, the design is completed with delicate floral composition on the white porcelain ground. Below the handles, a brown-haired winged putto is seen reaching towards the front. The bright blue cloth covering parts of his body stands out against his soft, pale skin.
The base of the vases is shaped with further rocaille forms, the detailing highlighted in gilt. A large female figure, in a similar position to the putto, reaches forward holding a basket of flowers. The flower types are identical to the larger mounts on other parts of the vases, demonstrating the makers’ exquisite skill to make intricate porcelain details in various forms, shapes and sizes while maintaining their real-life appearance.
Both vases stand on porcelain stands, supported on four scrolled feet. Each is decorated with yellow, orange, blue, cream, red and purple flowers. The sides are painted with Rococo style genre scenes and floral bouquets.
The pieces are marked with the blue crossed sword mark and incised ‘B.C’.
Including both naturalistic and figurative ornaments, these stunning Meissen porcelain potpourri vases are an outstanding example of the finest porcelain wares and make an excellent decorative feature for the appropriate interior space.