Antique Meissen Porcelain Flower Encrusted Bottle Vase Stopper Fac 5 No 1 c1900 For Sale

An exceptional antique Meissen porcelain bottle vase and fitted stopper, lavishly decorated with individually modeled applied flowers, fruit, foliage, and delicate hand-painted insects.

The vase belongs to a documented Meissen form identified as “Fac. 5 No. 1” in the historic catalogue of the Königlich Sächsische Porzellan-Manufactur zu Meissen. The form appears on Plate 35 of the factory catalogue published in 1904. Please see the last picture for catalogue page.

The tall bottle-shaped body is covered with an extraordinary variety of three-dimensional botanical decoration. Small applied blossoms climb the slender neck, while the lower body features larger roses and other flowers, fruit, berries, leaves, and stems. Finely painted butterflies, beetles, and other insects appear between the applied decoration. Gilt bands finish the foot and mouth. The fitted cover is topped by a large modeled yellow rose with leaves.

The underside bears the underglaze blue Meissen crossed-swords mark in the Knaufschwerter tradition, together with a red hand-painted number that appears to read 25 and several faint impressed production marks.

Approximate measurements:

• 10.5\" high with stopper
• 9.5\" high without well preserved considering the abundance of delicate applied porcelain decoration. I have observed chips/losses to two applied flowers including a large yellow flower with a chipping to the under petals, and a small purple and yellow flower near the base. Both are documented in the photos.

  There is also a crack to an outer petal of the yellow rose finial on the stopper. The piece has not fully broken off, but is very, very delicate.I do not anticipate it making it through shipping without separating based on how tenuously it remains connected.Based on the location of the exterior of the flower, it may not be terribly obvious when it detaches and a future owner could restore it if preferred. There is a secondary, very fine crack to the rose finial on the opposing side of the flower. I did not notice this until I was zooming in the pictures due to it\'s small size.

  There is some age-appropriate rubbing/wear to the gilding, particularly on the stopper. I have not observed cracks, hairlines, or obvious restoration. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.The applied flowers were individually modeled and are intentionally irregular and naturalistic, so not every asymmetrical petal or edge represents damage.

  Dating is best described as late 19th to early 20th century, circa 1900, with the form documented in Meissen\'s 1904 factory catalogue.

  A particularly decorative and unusually complete example of Meissen\'s flower-encrusted porcelain tradition.

  Local pick up preferred due to the delicate nature of the piece. Shipping will be through UPS using their Pack & Ship service to provide the greatest level of protection in transit. Note the concern above about the stopper finial being shipped. Signature will be required at delivery.

  *Please note, items are vintage and should be expected to arrive in vintage condition. Photos are an important part of the item description so review them carefully. In line with our love for creative reuse, we send with clean and secure recycled packing materials as much as possible. Feel free to reach out with any questions!*