A Meissen garniture de cheminee the porcelain circa 1730-40, the decoration probably circa 1745

comprising three large ovoid vases and covers and two flared beaker vases, each with chinoiserie scenes within elaborate ombrierte gilt baroque reserves among scattered sprigs and sprays of deutsche Blumen, the covers with similar scenes and gilt knops ( one cover later, another with re-stuck finial, one vase with restored rim chip)

The Collection of Max Hoffman, Basel, sold Christie's London, 21st November 2005, lot 44

Restoration to the rim of one of the smaller baluster vases, approx. 2½in. length by ½in. at deepest point. One cover is a 19th century replacement. One finial has been glued. Another finial has been restored. Overall minor wear to enamels and gilding.
"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."

The decoration on these vases represents a late flowering of the early chinoiserie style initiated by J.G.Höroldt. The combination of this decoration with sprays of naturalistic European-style flowers is also found on a pair of yellow-ground vases in the Rijksmuseum, see A.L. den Blaauwen, Meissen Porcelain in the Rijksmuseum, no.82, and on a vase sold at Christie's 25th June 1979, lot 179. Perhaps the most likely candidate at the factory in the 1740's would be Philipp Ernst Schindler, who had been a highly regarded painter at Meissen since the height of popularity of the style in the 1720's.