Porcelain with white glaze, polychrome paint and gold accents
Germany, circa 1745
Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, established in 1710
Underglaze blue crossed swords mark (1730-1763) on the underside
Pear-shaped body with peak-shaped spout and J handle in relief; handle with voluted ends and thumb rest in the form of an acanthus leaf
Both sides finely painted with gallant scenes in the manner of Antoine Watteau, as well as insects and flowers decoration
Total height, including the lid: 25 cm
Meissen coffee pot with masterfully painted figural scenes

This Meissen coffee pot stands out because of its excellent painted figural scenes in the manner of the French Rococo painter Antoine Watteau, which were possibly executed by Johann Georg Heintze, who was active in the Meissen manufactory from 1720-1749. One side of the pot features a couple making music that lingers in nature on a stone. On the other side is displayed a gallant couple strolling through a tree-lined landscape. At the height of the handle and underneath the spout are painted flowers and insects. The domed lid with painted floral decoration and insects, as well as a sculpted flower knob does not correspond to the pot.

The coffee pot bears the underglaze blue crossed swords mark (1730-1763) to the underside. It is in good condition with small nicks at the foot ring and light wear of the golden color. The handle and the spout have been restored. The paintings show some tiny scratches. The cover is slightly chipped to the edges. The total height of the pot, including the lid, is 25 cm.

Meissen

Porcelain has been known in Europe since the 13th Century, but always had to be imported from China. Thus it was mostly of lower quality – the Chinese rarely gave their best ware to the foreigners – and extremely expensive. Europeans tried to copy Chinese the Chinese porcelain for centuries but only in 1708 managed to create real porcelain – in Meissen. The manufacturer’s brand, the crossed swords in blue, has been in use since 1722 and is still a guarantee for the high quality of the porcelain. Meissen celebrated its 300 years of existence in 2008. Quality has always been the number one criteria for Meissen and they go as far as having their own mine to win the needed kaolin, also known as china clay, for the production. It takes several years to reach the degree of a “master painter” in Meissen but judging by the quality of the painting, it is definitely worth it. (cko)

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