An Incredible 19th Century Meissen Porcelain “Elements” Ewer Emblematic of Water

Description

An Incredible and Very Unusual 19th Century Meissen Porcelain “Elements” Ewer Emblematic of Water. This large porcelain ewer is modeled in flattened baluster form with a shell molded body, rising from a spreading foot and terminating in a wide scalloped spout with gilt edging. The scroll handle is formed as intertwined aquatic leaves wrapped with pink ribbons and surmounted by a winged putto reclining among shells and foliage. A cascading arrangement of applied shells, coral, flowers, and marine elements descends from the upper handle junction across the neck. The cylindrical neck is painted with insects, including a dragonfly and smaller specimens, enclosed by gilt bands. The lower body is molded and painted with turbulent green waves and a fleet of sailing warships at sea. One side is applied with a mermaid emerging from the water, while the opposite side carries a group of hippocampi rearing from foaming waves. Above them sits Neptune, identifiable by his mature bearded figure, seated within a shell chariot draped with crimson cloth and holding the reins of the sea creatures. The foot is molded with shell-like ridges and applied with three stylized fish with pronounced eyes, finished with gilt borders and polychrome enamel decoration throughout. The garland of flowers and seashells running from the top of the ewer to the middle of its neck is extremely rare and we have never seen another example quite like this one. This ewer is a Meissen porcelain model representing Water from the celebrated Elements series. The underside bears the blue crossed swords mark of the Meissen manufactory together with incised factory numerals. The crossed swords mark, painted in underglaze blue, appears clearly on the underside and served as the factory emblem associated with Meissen porcelain production. The model follows designs created by Johann Joachim Kändler in 1741 for Meissen’s Elements series. Kändler served as Meissen’s principal modeler and developed large sculptural compositions combining porcelain modeling with allegorical and mythological subjects. Works from this series are noted for their complex figural construction, extensive applied ornament, and demanding multi-part firing process. The scale, detailed marine iconography, and preservation of molded and painted surfaces place this ewer among the most substantial Meissen sculptural porcelain models, supporting its strong desirability and high value. Germany, Circa: 1870

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