Ulrich Pietsch (ed.), Schwanenservice - Meissener Porzellan für Heinrich Graf von Brühl, Leipzig, 2000, p. 169 cites Eberlein's work records in November 1741 for this form as follows: 'Einen Korb zu den Burgunder Bouteillen, mit dem Schwanendessin für Brühl' [A basket for the Burgundy bottles with swan designs for Brühl]. Pietsch also mentions that the form has historically been referred as both a vessel for grapes and a bottle holder, but the open base and Eberlein's distinct description in his work record suggest its correct function as being a bottle holder. 

Similar examples are found in the Dresden Porzellansammlung (Inv. no. PE 1414, published by Pietsch, ibid, pp. 168-69. no. 44), the Dr. Schneider Collection, Schloss Lustheim in Munich (Inv. no. ES 84 and ES 85), the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York (Inv. nos. 50.211.235 and 50.211.236) and the Stockholm Nationalmuseum (Inv. no. NMK 101/1964).

Similar examples at auction include those sold, Sotheby's, London, June 26, 1956, lot 120; Sotheby's, Geneva, November 9, 1987, lot 89; Dr. Roy Byrnes Collection, California, Christie's London, May 12, 2010, lot 79; Mr. and Mrs. Saul P. Steinburg Collection, Sotheby's, New York, May 26, 2000, lot 29, previously sold, Christie's, London, July 3, 1989, lot 26; and most recently two examples sold at Christie's, London, June 7, 2013, lot 367.

Sotheby’s Scientific Research department used noninvasive XRF for this lot to screen the green enamel for chromium, which was not detected.