A Highly Important 19th C. Meissen Porcelain Shneeballen Snowball Covered Vase

Description

A Highly Important 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Schneeballen Snowball Covered Vase. This covered porcelain vase is modeled in the Meissen Schneeballen, or snowball, pattern and is entirely encrusted with hundreds of individually applied porcelain blossoms covering the body, cover, neck, foot, and rim. The baluster form rises from a spreading circular foot to a waisted neck and domed cover, with the entire surface interrupted by applied green branches that climb across the vase and terminate in molded leaves. Clusters of blossoms project from the body and cover, creating a fully sculptural surface. Five naturalistic birds are arranged throughout the composition. A pair of European goldfinches forms the finial atop the cover, while brightly colored parrots perch upon opposing branches at the shoulders. A yellow songbird rests within a molded nest attached to the base. Each bird is hand painted with individually defined feathers, naturalistic beaks, and detailed eyes. The blossoms are painted with pink centers and yellow stamens, while the leaves display shaded green enamels with veining. The removable cover fits within a molded collar and continues the decoration uninterrupted across its surface. This vase was produced by the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, whose crossed swords mark identifies the factory. Meissen developed the Schneeballen pattern during the eighteenth century, and it remained one of the manufactory's most recognized sculptural porcelain designs throughout the nineteenth century. The decoration required the individual modeling and application of every flower, leaf, branch, and bird before firing. The extensive hand painting completed after firing further distinguishes these elaborate compositions. Large covered vases of this type rank among the most elaborate porcelain forms produced by Meissen because of the quantity of applied elements and the complexity of their assembly. The Meissen workshops became internationally known for combining sculptural modeling with porcelain production, and the Schneeballen pattern represents one of the factory's most technically demanding decorative achievements. Each blossom was individually formed and attached by hand, requiring precise placement to withstand firing without distortion or separation. The intertwined branches were modeled separately and joined to the vessel before glazing, while the birds were sculpted as independent figures and securely attached to the composition. The finished surface combines molded porcelain, hand painted enamels, and high gloss glaze across every visible element, producing a fully modeled object that demonstrates the advanced production methods associated with nineteenth century Meissen porcelain. Dimensions: 22" Height 14" Width 12" Depth

Details

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