A MEISSEN WINE-BOTTLE HOLDER FROM THE SWAN SERVICE, CIRCA 1737-41 |

(Flaschenständer) modelled by Johann Friedrich Eberlein, raised on an open oval foot, the everted oval body molded in relief with two swans and a crane amidst waves and rushes, flanking on either side a molded gilt rocaille cartouche painted with the Brühl and Kolowrat-Krakowska arms, beneath the wide border reticulated with foliate devices, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue, impressed numeral 26

The Maurice de Rothschild Collection, his (anon.) sale, Christie's London, March 28, 1977, lot 7

The overall appearance of the piece is good. There are two fine hairline cracks to the reticulated rim, one measures approximately 4 cm, located at the narrowest side in the right of the catalogue illustration. The other measures 1cm, to the reverse side. There is some flaking to the gilding at the collar of the foot and the armorial scrolls, and some minor rubbing to the rims.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Ulrich Pietsch (ed.), Schwanenservice - Meissener Porzellan für Heinrich Graf von Brühl, Leipzig, 2000, p. 169 cites Eberlein's work records in November 1741 for this form as follows: 'Einen Korb zu den Burgunder Bouteillen, mit dem Schwanendessin für Brühl' [A basket for the Burgundy bottles with swan designs for Brühl]. Pietsch also mentions that the form has historically been referred as both a vessel for grapes and a bottle holder, but the open base and Eberlein's distinct description in his work record suggest its correct function as being a bottle holder. 

Similar examples are found in the Dresden Porzellansammlung (Inv. no. PE 1414, published by Pietsch, ibid, pp. 168-69. no. 44), the Dr. Schneider Collection, Schloss Lustheim in Munich (Inv. no. ES 84 and ES 85), the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (Inv. nos. 50.211.235 and 50.211.236) and the Stockholm Nationalmuseum (Inv. no. NMK 101/1964).

Similar examples at auction include those sold, Sotheby's, London, June 26, 1956, lot 120; Sotheby's, Geneva, November 9, 1987, lot 89; Dr. Roy Byrnes Collection, California, Christie's London, May 12, 2010, lot 79; Mr. and Mrs. Saul P. Steinburg Collection, Sotheby's, New York, May 26, 2000, lot 29, previously sold, Christie's, London, July 3, 1989, lot 26; and most recently two examples sold at Christie's, London, June 7, 2013, lot 367.

Sotheby’s Scientific Research department used noninvasive XRF for this lot to screen the green enamel for chromium, which was not detected.