A magnificently decorated porcelain tureen, originally for Maria Josepha of Austria, wife of King Augustus III of Poland.

For Maria Josepha of Austria, wife of King Augustus III of Poland, a magnificently decorated porcelain soup tureen was created. It features double walls and an ornamentally pierced oval body, supported by four curved legs.

The sides of the tureen are adorned with handles in the form of sculpted female heads with feathered headdresses. The rich sculptural decoration consists of small putti figures connected by garlands of flowers and drapery. On both sides of the tureen are crown-topped shell cartouches, inside which are depicted Italian city views with figural accessories. The matching lid is decorated with a fully sculpted handle in the form of a royal crown with an imperial orb on cushions, flanked by seated putti. Around the tureen are applied rocaille cartouches bearing coats of arms of the Polish-Lithuanian Crown, alternating with those of Saxony, accompanied by gallant and hunting scenes. The interior of the lid is adorned with a colorful floral relief. Polychrome painting and rich gilding are present. The inner walls are gilded. The author may be Johann Joachim Kändler.

Model No. B 136. Minor restoration. Crossed swords mark. Height 20.5 cm. This version was created based on the model of a soup tureen commissioned by Maria Josepha of Austria (1699-1757), wife of King Augustus III of Poland, from Johann Joachim Kändler. This porcelain soup tureen served "for storing feathers, embroidery, and the like." See Zimmermann, Meissen Porcelain, 1924, p. 140. Ducret, 18th Century Porcelain, fig. 16, p. 31. A small, magnificently decorated porcelain soup tureen, originally for Maria Josepha of Austria, wife of King Augustus III of Poland.

Minor restoration.

Crossed swords. Meissen. Late 19th century.