A large Meissen dish from the Swan Service, circa 1738-39

modelled by J. J. Kändler, in low relief with two swimming swans among bulrushes with another in flight above, upon a spiral shell moulded ground, the rim painted with the arms of Brühl/Kolowrat-Krakowska flanked by flower sprigs, with gilt border to the rim, crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue, impressed Dreher's mark of a cross for Johann Elias Grund Sen., incised numeral 4 to inside edge of footrim,

The dish is in generally good condition, there is a flat chip to the rim at 2 o'clock, measuring approximately 1.6cm at widest point, and some minor rubbing to areas of the gilded border. There is a minute flat chip to the well of the bowl, possibly a flaw from the firing process, otherwise no other damage noted. The modelling of the dish is particularly crisp.
"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 celebrated Swan service, one of the largest services to be produced at the Meissen factory comprised as many as 2,200 pieces and was commissioned by Heinrich Graf von Brühl, Director of the Meissen factory, on the occasion of his marriage in 1737 to Gräfin Franziska von Kolowrat-Krakowska, whose coat of arms appears impaled with Brühl's on each piece.

The modelling of this service was the work of Kändler and Eberlein, whose inspiration for its watery theme may have come from the literal translation of the name Brühl: 'swampy meadow or marshy ground'. Production was lengthy and the vast service was not completed until 1741. The modelling of dishes in five sizes began in 1738. 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, Schwanen service: Meissener Porzellan für Heinrich Graf von Brühl, Leipzig, 2000, p. 159.) A dish of this 4th size was in the Hoffmeister collection of Meissen porcelain and was subsequently sold at Bonhams London, 24th November 2010, lot 71.