A Rare and Large Meissen Porcelain Covered Urn

After the Model by J.J. Kändler, 19th Century

the body decorated with the profile of Augustus III, King of Poland, Grand Duke of Lithuania and Elector of Saxony above the coat-of-arms of the Electorate of Saxony and the arms of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth; bearing crossed swords in underglaze blue above an 8 in iron red to the underside.
Height 32 x width 21 inches.

Note:

The present lot was modelled after the centerpiece of the five-piece Meissen porcelain garniture commissioned by Augustus III, King of Poland, Grand Duke of Lithuania and Elector of Saxony (1733-1763) as a diplomatic gift to King Louis XV in 1742. Created by the renowned Dresden court sculptor Johann Joachim Kändler, the garniture comprised two covered vases and two ewers commonly referred to as the "Elements" vases, given their decoration allegorical of the four elements.[1]

The decoration on both the original centerpiece and the present lot features the figures of Flora and Fame, the face of Apollo surrounded by sun rays (a reference to Louis XIV), and a cartouche-form cover centered with a script letter "L." The present lot differs from the original in that the arms of Saxony and Poland-Lithuania have replaced those of France and Navarre on the original, and the central profile medallion appears to depict King Augustus III as opposed to Louis XV.

The original garniture remains among the greatest examples of scale and complexity in Meissen's storied history, an undertaking that signaled the significance of such a diplomatic gift. Its commission was likely informed by a desire to ameliorate Augustus III's relationship with France following his succession of the Polish throne following the War of the Polish Succession (during which he defeated Stanislaus I, father-in-law to Louis XV) and during the then-present conflict surrounding the War of the Austrian Succession.

[1] M. Cassidy-Geiger, ed., Fragile Diplomacy, Meissen Porcelain for the European Courts, ca. 1710-63, New Haven, 2007, pp. 156-157

In overall decent, stable, attractive condition. Scattered areas of flaking, chipping and loss to flower and vine decoration to urn. Figures appear intact without loss or restoration. Scattered areas of professional restoration carried out in the late 2000s by 'Porcelain by GK'. Examination under UV light shows fluorescence to some flowers and vines consistent with restoration. A larger flat flake to base of urn. Areas of loss seem commensurate with handling and age, not from damage due to drops or strikes to a specific area of the urn. Additional images available upon request.

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European Furniture & Decorative Arts

A Rare and Large Meissen Porcelain Covered Urn

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