Trompe L'oeil Treasure: Marcolini Meissen Porcelain Cabbage Tureen
(Late 18th Century)

Maker: Meissen (Marcolini Period) | Origin: Germany | Date: Late 18th Century (c. 1774–1814)

This exquisite example of 18th-century German porcelain artistry hails from the celebrated Marcolini period of the Meissen factory. Executed as a trompe l'oeil ("trick of the eye") masterpiece, this covered tureen is naturalistically modeled as a spherical red cabbage.

The decoration showcases the factory's mastery of color, featuring deeply saturated shades of purplish-red and pale green that mimic the organic variation of the vegetable leaves. In a luxurious departure from pure realism, the raised ribs of the leaves are highlighted with rich gilding, elevating a humble garden vegetable into an object of aristocratic elegance. The cover is modeled to integrate seamlessly with the base, maintaining the illusion of a whole vegetable.

The Marcolini Era The underside bears the famous underglaze blue crossed swords mark accompanied by an asterisk located between the hilts. This mark identifies the piece as a production of the "Marcolini Period," named for Count Camillo Marcolini who directed the factory from 1774 to 1814. This era is prized by collectors for its high technical standards and the transition from Rococo whimsy to Neoclassical refinement.

Dimensions & Provenance The tureen measures 4 1/4 inches in height and 4 7/8 inches in width. It comes from a Private West Coast Collection.

(Ref: NY10950-kmrx)


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: God condition

Dimensions:
Height: 4 in.
Width: 3.25 in.
Depth: 3.25 in.

Category: Boxes
Origin: Germany
Materials: Porcelain
Creator: Brand: Marcolini Meissen

Shipping:

Domestic: Flat-rate of $56.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.

International: No International Shipping for this auction.

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Location: This item ships from Downingtown, PA

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Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; God condition