Meissen snowball vase, Kingfisher and bullfinch

Meissen snowball vase, Kingfisher and bullfinch.

Johann Joachim Kaendler (1706–1775) was Meissen's finest and best known Artistic Director and in 1739 he created the delicate schneeballen decoration. It is one of his many contributions to the long and successful history of Meissen porcelain.

In the 18th century, porcelain was an extremely valuable commodity and a vase of this size would have been a  sign of ones stature and wealth. Naturally the appeal of this stylish décor found its way into Royal households and Friederich The Great (1712–1786) who reigned from 1740, ordered six snowball flower vases in 1770. The design involves the application of thousands of small painstakingly handmade porcelain flowers and are typically further applied with vines and birds in various forms and of course the snowball clusters themselves, reminiscent of cherry blossom.

This 19th century example of Kendlers design, incorporating a kingfisher and bullfinch, first produced in 1740 would have been likely made for Exhibition or a commission due to its complicated and labour intensive design. It is a supreme and rare example of Meissen’s fine quality and workmanship.

Circa 1860.

36 centimetres tall.

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance