Antique Meissen porcelain centrepiece with stand

The porcelain centrepiece is set on a white porcelain stand, which is raised up on four scrolled feet, decorated with naturalistic flower models. The front of the stand features a parcel gilt cartouche, which frames delicate paintings of flowers, and is flanked by painted depictions of insects. Above, the centrepiece is supported on a stem, which is decorated with a pair of putti sculptures, who stand on a tall rocky stump. These fair-haired putti are depicted semi-nude, partially draped with floral white fabrics. They hold clusters of ripe fruit, and playfully peek around the stem at one another. The stem is topped by a parcel gilt white openwork basket, which is woven with colourful flowers. The basket is fitted with two handles, and its interior decorated with light-blue scrolled patterns and foliate motifs.

Crossed blue swords are painted onto the undersides of both the centrepiece and stand. This is the maker’s mark for the prestigious Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. Founded in the early 18th Century, the factory specialised in the production of true porcelain wares. They were the first to do so in Europe and, as such, became almost instantly fashionable and widely collected by members of royalty and nobility in Europe.

Centrepiece: Height 40cm, width 24cm, depth 18cm
Stand: Height 7cm, width 21cm, depth 20cm