Monumental Meissen Porcelain Four Elements Centerpiece/Candelabra

Description

A Monumental Meissen Porcelain Elemental Centerpiece/Candlabra with Bowls and Candelabra Arms. The centerpiece is composed of porcelain in a multipart structure integrating both bowl and candelabra elements. The base rests on three scrolled feet, each terminating in a figural support featuring seated cherubs. Earth: One cherub holds a cornucopia filled with fruits, AIR: another extends a hand with a bird perched upon it, WATER: while a third cherub holds a small Fish basket. These figures are arranged among clusters of applied flowers and foliage, which extend upward along the structure. Above the base, the stem rises in a baluster form decorated with molded scrollwork panels, floral sprays, and gilded accents. Midway, three large openwork bowls project outward, each supported by scrolled arms decorated with leaves and flowers in relief. The bowls are encrusted with applied blossoms in multiple colors, and their rims are edged with gilding. The stems and arms of the structure incorporate molded scrolls, painted floral panels, and gilded details. The upper section transitions into the candelabra arms, with six candle sockets spaced evenly around a central support. Each socket is modeled with petal-like fluting and accented with pastel enamels in pink and green, edged with gilding. The arms are entwined with garlands of applied roses and morning glories, painted in shades of blue, purple, yellow, and pink. At the pinnacle of the piece sits a cherub, FIRE, the figure draped in a mauve sash, holding a small object in one hand and mounted on a green and yellow dragon-like creature with extended wings. What's interesting about this piece in particular is that it follows the elemental subject, meaning that each cherub represents a different element. The top cherub represents fire, and the rest of the cherubs represent water, earth, and air, respectively. The porcelain surfaces are painted in a palette of white, pastel turquoise, lavender, pink, green, and yellow, with detailed flesh tones for the figures and naturalistic coloration for the flowers and foliage. Gilding is used extensively to outline panels, emphasize scrollwork, and highlight decorative elements throughout the piece. The applied flowers show variation in petal form and color, with individually modeled blossoms and leaves creating a dense, continuous covering over much of the structure. The craftsmanship demonstrates advanced porcelain modeling with a combination of molded and hand-applied elements. The figural modeling captures proportions and anatomy in rounded, youthful forms, with detailed facial features and individualized poses. The applied flowers and foliage are executed in fine detail, with delicate stems and thin petals requiring precise handling. The openwork sections of the bowls and the scroll-formed arms are structurally integrated with the decorative floral application, maintaining stability while allowing for complex ornamentation. The use of polychrome enamels is precise, with careful shading on flowers, foliage, and figures, and the gilded accents are consistently applied along ridges and raised details without excessive overlap into painted areas. Germany, Circa: 1860

Details

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