A MEISSEN LARGE CIRCULAR DISH FROM THE SWAN SERVICE, CIRCA 1738-41 |

modelled by Johann Joachim Kändler, in low relief with two swimming swans among bulrushes with a crane in flight above, upon a spiral shell molded ground, the rim painted with the Brühl and Kolowrat-Krakowska arms and scattered flower sprigs, with a gilt border to the rim, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue, incised numeral 4 near edge of footrim, impressed Dreher's mark of two dots inside footrim

The Antique Company of New York, Inc., January 1969

At the rim located at 10 o'clock, there is an approximate 1 in. wide area of the rim edge where the border is re-gilded and there is white over paint. This is likely a restored small chip. There is an associated area of spray which extends to the edge of the well of the dish, which has now started to flake. Some very minor rubbing to the gilding in places, including the lower part of the armorial crest. There is a curving fine hairline crack starting in the cavetto area at 5 o'clock and curving into 3 o'clock. Some small firing cracks which have extended slightly. The reverse side with small firing flaws which have picked up some minor staining.
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.

Numerous examples of this fourth size must have been produced by 1739 as Kändler reports that he repaired the form for this size in March, May and November of that year, see Ulrich Pietsch (ed.), Schwanenservice - Meissener Porzellan für Heinrich Graf von Brühl, Leipzig, 2000, p. 159.

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