Meissen spice set in the shape of a lobster.

Completely crafted in the shape of a lobster, this polished three-sectioned menage contains two small and one large lid with plastic curved leaves serving as handles. Naturalistic decoration in shades of red and black. Polychrome painting. Possibly made by Johann Joachim Kändler, 1770. The lid is a modern addition (20th/21st century). Some unglazed areas; firing cracks. Mark of crossed swords. Length: 22 cm. Porcelain vessels of this kind, executed in naturalistic forms, most often as butter dishes and tureens, were frequently created by Johann Joachim Kändler and served not only their tableware function but also as magnificent decorations for palace festivities. Between 1737 and 1741, Kändler was already intensely engaged with the theme of water as a vital element and created a series of sea animals and seaweeds, including a dolphin in the form of a tureen, which is listed in J.J. Kändler’s 1770 work report. See Gielke, Cat. Grassi Museum, No. 446; Albiker, No. 232 and No. 148ff., p. 6, Meissen Jubilee Editions Collection 2010, fig. p. 40/41. Porcelain spice container in the form of a lobster. Lids are later additions (20th/21st century). Slightly restored. Firing cracks. Mark of crossed swords. Meissen. Marcolini period. Approximately 1774–1814.