Meissen Porcelain Trompe L'oeil Melon Tureen and Cover
Circa 1750

An exceptional mid-eighteenth-century Meissen tureen and cover, modeled in the naturalistic form of a ripe melon and beautifully painted in lifelike, variegated shades of green and soft yellow. The vessel is cleverly conceived in two interlocking parts, the fitted cover surmounted by a twisting stem handle that terminates in large, finely molded serrated leaves spreading across each end.

The glazed white interior of both sections remains clean and pristine, and the underside bears the Meissen crossed swords in underglaze blue. A charming and sculptural piece "” equally at home as a centerpiece on a dining table, a standout on a shelf of porcelain, or a witty accent on a console or bookshelf.

Dimensions
Height: 5 inches (12.7 cm)
Width: 6¼ inches (15.9 cm)
Depth: 4 inches (10.2 cm)

Provenance
Private Maryland Collection

Historical Context
In the mid-eighteenth century, European court dining embraced a fashion for trompe l'oeil porcelain sculpted as realistic fruits, vegetables, and animals, and the Meissen manufactory led the way, delighting aristocratic guests with deceptive table pieces that blurred nature and artifice. This melon form proved influential: English factories, most notably Chelsea, took up the model in the mid-1750s, and related examples of the design are held in major museum collections today.

(Ref: NY11113-cmir)


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: In excellent antique condition, the green and yellow enamels remaining bright and glossy. There is a tiny minor invisibly chip to one side of the cover rim, entirely consistent with age.

Origin:
Germany

Creator:
Brand: Meissen Porcelain

Materials & Techniques:
Porcelain

International: No International Shipping for this auction.
Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; In excellent antique condition, the green and yellow enamels remaining bright and glossy. There is a tiny minor invisibly chip to one side of the cover rim, entirely consistent with age.