An impressive pair of Meissen 'Elements' ewers c.1880

An impressive pair of Meissen 'Elements' ewers c.1880, after the 1741 models by J J Kändler, of Water and Air, the first with a handle formed of reeds bound with pink ribbon, a winged putto above, Neptune beneath the shell-formed spout with a mermaid and hippocampi, the body painted with warships, Air applied with Juno and Zephyr with further putti blown about, the body moulded with birds amidst clouds, blue crossed swords marks, a few small damages, 60cm. (2)

This pair of ewers directly copy a white-glazed pair sent to the French Court in 1742 as a diplomatic gift to Louis XV, together with a pair of vases emblematic of Earth and Fire, and a third vase bearing the King's portrait. Later sets turned the two vases into ewers to match those of Water and Air.

Cf. Christie's, 22nd May 2003, lot 221 for a complete set from the collection of Lord St Oswald, removed from the store at Nostell Priory.