A Meissen two-handled crater vase, circa 1865

modelled by Ernst August Leuteritz, painted possibly by Müller after Eduard Julius Bendemann (1811-1889), the waisted body painted with a continuous boar hunting scene, one side with a Bacchanal scene of Nymphs and Satyrs near an altar fire,  between formal gilt borders on a salmon pink and green ground, the serpent handles issuing from burnished gilt acanthus moulded terminals, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue,

Anon. sale, Sotheby's London, 2nd June 2005, lot 75;
acquired at the above sale.

There is an area of restoration to the lower ring of the foot, with some associated over-painting and re-gilding, which only appears on approximately half of the gilded design on the ring. There is associated spray to the interior of the foot which makes it difficult to determine true extend of damage.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Meissen's version of the 'Warwick' or Crater vase of this type is best known with platinum decoration. Polychrome decoration is more rare and seldom appears in the literature. This present vase is listed in the factory inventory as a Kratervase Aufglasur Poliergold Kinderzeit / Jagd .

A similar piece with mythological frieze painting and identical border patterns is illustrated by H.Jedding, Meißener Porzellan des 19. und 20. Jahrhunderts, p.87, fig.90. Another of the same form painted in platinum is illustrated in 'The Art-Journal Catalogue of the Paris Universal Exhibition 1867', p.120. Ernst Julius Bendemann (1811-1889) was a highly regarded painter in his day, a professor of the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts in 1838 and later in life the director of the Düsseldorf Academy. He enjoyed high profile commissions including the decoration of three halls of the Dresden Royal Palace. Ernst August Leurteritz was born in 1818 near Meissen, came to the factory as an apprentice in 1836, studied under Rietschel and was engaged as a modeller in 1846. From 1849 to 1886 he held the post of manager and top modeller. Dr. K. Berling, Meissen China, p. 86, pl. 91 notes, 'During these many years he did great service to the factory by his extraordinary activity and skillfulness'.