A large Meissen tankard, circa 1727, with silver-gilt mounts, makers mark GB, Augsburg town mark, probably German circa 1715

painted by Johann Ehrenfried Stadler with chinoiserie figures in a landscape vignette, depicting one figure standing holding a parasol flanked on either side by two seated figures, one playing with a small dog, the other side with a large flowering branch of indianische Blumen, under which crouches a prowling Fabeltier or fantasy animal, the handle painted with a flower sprig in iron-red, crossed swords mark in iron-red enamel,

Sotheby Parke Bernet Monaco S. A., Monte Carlo, 26th May 1980, lot 420

Ulrich Pietsch, Preziosen, einer süddeutschen Kunstsammlung, 2001, pp. 34-35

Comparative Literature

R. Seyffarth, Johann Ehrenfried Stadler, der Meister der Fächerchinesen, Keramos, Zeitschrift der Gesellschaft der Keramikfreunde Heft 10, 1960, pp. 151-159

Some light surface scratches and minor wear to enamels and gilding , particularly to the flowers on the handle
"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."

Johann Ehrenfried Stadler, born in Dresden in 1702, was employed as a painter by the Meissen factory from about 1723 to 1741, and was appointed 'Mahler von Bluhmen Werckh' in 1731. Two surviving pieces that are signed by the artist are in the Porzellansammlung, Dresden. One is a covered bowl and stand, published by Gustav E. Pazaurek, Meissner Porzellanmalerei des 18. Jahrhunderts, 1929, p. 23, the other, a lantern, is published by J. Handt, H. Rakebrand, Meißner Porzellan, 1950, pl. 46 and 47.

Three other silver-mounted tankards with this type of decoration are known. One decorated with a slightly different arrangement of the same subject, from The Baron Alix de Rothschild collection, was sold at Christie's London, 28th June 1976, lot 150, a second from The Maurice de Rothschild collection (his Anon. sale), was sold at Christie's, 17 October 1977, lot 13, and a third of similar size to the present example from The Herr und Frau Dr. Marcel Nyffeler collection, was sold at Christie's London, 9th June 1986, lot 153.