Lot 48 Dα

As shown by the potpourri vase in the previous lot, the fascination with Egypt was already finding its first reception in the medium of porcelain in the late 18th century. Napoleon's first expedition to the country in 1789 - 1801 sparked a strong fascination for the exotic land and its history. The research findings of the expedition were published in several volumes by Dominique-Vivant Denon in his “Description de L'Égypte” and formed the basis of the developing field of Egyptology. Following the lead of the Sevres manufactory, KPM began creating models in the Egyptian taste as of 1809, beginning with an Egyptian coffee and tea service comprising a coffee pot with crocodile handles and sugar cane spouts, the sugar box in 'glatt' design with the finial formed as a sphinx (as with those of the coffee and teapots), the cream pot with a crocodile handle and 'glatt' spout.” The Berlin based designer Henri Rivet de la Grange found the inspiration for the decor in Denon's works. The finished service caused a sensation when it was revealed at the academy exhibition in 1810.