Rare 18th Century Meissen Porcelain Covered Box in the form of a Lily Flower

Description

A Very Rare 18th Century Meissen Porcelain Covered Box in the form of a Lily Flower. Rare 18th Century Meissen Porcelain Covered Box in the form of a lily flower. Modeled as a fully blossomed white lily with curling petals forming both the lid and lower body, the surface is molded with naturalistic ribbing and undulating edges. The flower head opens at the center to reveal yellow stamens surrounding a pale green pistil, while the exterior is accented with green glazed stems and leaves extending along the sides and rear. The petals curve outward in overlapping layers, creating a highly irregular silhouette with deeply molded contours imitating the appearance of natural flower petals. A thin gilt line follows the seam where the lid joins the lower section, while the interior is glazed in white. The underside retains the underglaze blue crossed swords mark with two dots beneath. The crossed swords mark with two dots beneath is associated with the Meissen “Dot Period,” used during the later 1700s. This period followed the earlier peak Rococo production of the manufacturer and continued the development of sculptural porcelain forms based on flowers, shells, fruits, and natural specimens. During this era, Meissen produced a limited number of highly modeled objects intended for aristocratic collections and table displays, many requiring complex assembly before firing due to their irregular forms and projecting elements. Botanical models from the Dot Period are considerably less common than standard Meissen porcelain services, figures, and decorative wares, particularly covered examples modeled entirely as flowers. The survival of this piece in excellent condition is significant due to the fragile nature of its construction. The thin porcelain petals extend outward with deeply curled edges and multiple points vulnerable to chips and restoration. The lid itself is formed as part of the flower head and required precise fitting during production to align with the lower body. The layered petals, raised stamens, projecting leaves, and curved stem handle created technical challenges during firing, as uneven heat distribution frequently caused cracking or warping in porcelain of this type. Surviving examples from the Dot Period often display damage, repairs, or losses to the delicate extremities. The porcelain is executed with deeply molded veining and individually shaped sections joined together before firing, particularly visible in the overlapping petals and applied foliage. The green enamel decoration is shaded with darker linear details imitating the surface of leaves and stems, while the central stamens retain their original yellow enamel decoration. Pieces of this type reflect Meissen’s continued experimentation with asymmetrical Rococo naturalism during the late 1700s, when sculptural porcelain forms departed from traditional symmetrical vessel designs and increasingly imitated botanical subjects in fully three dimensional form. Germany, Circa: 1763

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