A pair of Meissen armorial reticulated tureens and covers last quarter 19th century

after an eighteenth-century model by Johann Joachim Kändler, each double-walled tureen richly gilt on the interior and applied on the exterior with putti and garlands, painted on either side with a topographical panel and affixed on either end with a female bust handle, the cover molded and painted with Kakiemon flowers on the underside and on either side of the coronet knop with the arms of Poland and Saxony, crossed swords marks in underglaze-blue, various incised and impressed numerals.

One tureen has restoration to the feathers on both female-head handles and further restoration to two putti that are seated along the side of the tureen; the restorations are well done. There are some occasional, minor chips to the edges of the white floral garlands. One cover has restoration to the cross at the very top of the crown knob. The other tureen has some minor and occasional chips to the edges of the white floral garlands and a small flat chip to the underside of one foot, which is not visible from the exterior. Otherwise the tureen is in good condition. The cover has restoration to the knob, including the beaded crown and the ball on top, which may possibly be a replacement. The restoration is well done and conceals the exact nature of the damage. The gilding along the rim edge on one side has a more matte appearance and it is possible that this is either firing-related or the gilding has been retouched possibly to cover some rubbing.
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 present tureen and cover exhibit various distinctive characteristics evident in 18th-century princely services made by the Meissen manufactory during the reign of Augustus III. The tureen and cover from the 'Elizabeth' service is similarly set on four scroll feet, applied with female bust handles and painted on either side with a scroll-edged cartouche depicting a topographical scene, for which see Ulrich Pietsch and Claudia Banz in Triumph of the Blue Swords, Meissen Porcelain for Aristocracy and Bourgeoisie, 1710-1815, p. 135. Additionally, the crown knop on the present example parallels the knops of covers on tureens in diplomatic services commissioned by Augustus III, such as the 'Münchhausen' service, illustrated ibid, p. 291, the 'Bernstorff' service, illustrated by Maureen Cassidy-Geiger in Fragile Diplomacy, p. 185, fig. 8-20, and the service made for the king of Denmark, Frederik V, illustrated ibid, p. 186, fig. 8-21.

A tureen and cover similar to the present example is illustrated in Laurence Mitchell, Meissen, Collector's Catalogue, p. 139, cat. no. B136, where the author refers to this model being after Johann Joachim Kändler. A pair of similar tureens and covers was sold in these rooms, October 30, 2013, lot 200 and also at Sotheby's London, December 2, 2008, lot 285. Another single example was sold at Bonham's Los Angeles, June 14, 2011, lot 4548.