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Meissen Four Elements Porcelain Ewers
Meissen Four Elements Porcelain Ewers
Meissen Four Elements Porcelain Ewers
Meissen Four Elements Porcelain Ewers
Meissen Four Elements Porcelain Ewers
Meissen Four Elements Porcelain Ewers
Meissen Four Elements Porcelain Ewers
Meissen Four Elements Porcelain Ewers
Meissen Four Elements Porcelain Ewers
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Meissen Four Elements Porcelain Ewers

  • This exceptionally rare and important set of Meissen ewers represents the Four Elements
  • They are among the most famous examples of Meissen palace porcelain ever made
  • Earth, Air, Water and Fire are all represented on the monumental works
  • These Meissen interpretations are true to the mythology and are simply stunning
  • Get complete item description here
$298,500
Item No. 31-8963

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Description
This extremely rare and important set of four Meissen ewers represents the Four Elements: Earth, Air, Water and Fire. Impressive in both size and artistry, they are among the most famous and spectacular examples of Meissen palace porcelain ever made. First introduced by legendary Meissen artist Johann Joachim Kandler around 1735 for a royal commission from Friedrich August II, these outstanding designs endured for more than 100 years. Kandler was highly regarded for his allegorical. . .
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This extremely rare and important set of four Meissen ewers represents the Four Elements: Earth, Air, Water and Fire. Impressive in both size and artistry, they are among the most famous and spectacular examples of Meissen palace porcelain ever made. First introduced by legendary Meissen artist Johann Joachim Kandler around 1735 for a royal commission from Friedrich August II, these outstanding designs endured for more than 100 years. Kandler was highly regarded for his allegorical representations, and the Four Elements Ewers represent the height of his achievements. 

Earth is represented by a detailed hunt scene and presided over by Pan, the Greek god of woods and fields. Air is beautifully portrayed with flying birds and billowing clouds, all under the reign of Hera, the goddess who personifies air, and her peacock. Poseidon rules the waves on the ewer representing Water, which also depicts his team of sea horses striding dramatically from the sea. Finally, Fire is represented by a dragon-shaped handle, animals fleeing the burning forest and Hephaestus, the god of fire. Thoughtfully placed details such as Fire's plumes and Air's birds invoke a real sense of the elements on each of these porcelain masterpieces.

For centuries artists have depicted the Four Elements in various mediums inspired by the prevailing fascination with the Greek gods and their fantastical narratives. These Meissen interpretations are true to the mythology and are simply stunning.

Each ewer features the Meissen crossed swords underglaze.

19th century

Earth: 26" high x 16 1/2" wide x 9" deep
Water: 24 3/4" high x 15" wide x 8 1/2" deep
Fire: 26" high x 16" wide x 9 1/2" deep
Air: 25 3/4" high x 12 1/2" wide x 8 1/2" deep

Reference:
Bergmann, Meissen Figurines, Verlag Kurt Götz, Karlsruhe 2017, Vol. 1, p. 425, ill. 1950-1953
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Meissen Four Elements Porcelain Ewers
Maker: Meissen
Period: 18th Century
Origin: Germany
Type: Cups/Pitchers
Depth: 10.0 in. (25.4 cm)
Width: 15.0 in. (38.1 cm)
Height: 27.0 in. (68.58 cm)
Meissen Four Elements Porcelain Ewers
Expert Insights: Four Elements Porcelain Ewers by Meissen

 This extremely rare and important set of Meissen ewers represents the Four Elements: Earth, Air, Water and Fire. Impressive in both size and artistry, they are among the most famous and spectacular examples...

Read More
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

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