A MEISSEN SEAU FROM THE 'RED DRAGON' SERVICE CIRCA 1750

painted on each side with two confronting birds above a sinuous dragon, between applied twig handles with flower terminals, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue, impressed numeral 21. Some restoration to rim and handles.

Left hand side of rim above handle (per catalogue photo) is restored along a 2 in. section, the spray extending down 2 in. into the body, below the handle. Well restored and impossible to see the extent of the damage. This handle is extensively restored and probably mostly made up. Other handle has been broken off and restored back on. There are minor chips and restoration to flower and leaves at handle terminal.
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.

The 'Red Dragon' service was one of the first major dinner services to be produced at Meissen for the Saxon Court. The earliest pieces were made around 1730 and the extensive service was regularly added to during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The pattern (in its red and gold palette) is thought to have been supplied only to the court until as late as 1918, although it was produced in other colors for general sale from the min-19th century onwards.

A similar seau was in the Anderson Collection, sold, Christie's, London, June 1, 1992, lot 42. A group of service wares of various forms was in the Collections of Hans and Elisabeth Weinberg and the Antique Company of New York, sold in these rooms, November 10, 2006, lots 192-199, where the note discusses the history of the service in more detail.