A Berlin KPM porcelain vase with a view of Berlin Palace
With the original gilt metal mountings. Model no. 1606, with griffon's head handles. Fired in two parts and screw-mounted. Decorated with a late Biedermeier scrollwork frame containing a view of the palace with Andreas Schlüter's equestrian statue of the Grand Elector and the Long Bridge in the foreground. Blue sceptre mark with circle, impressed 38 VI. The screw-mountings slightly loose, the lower leaf of the right handle reattached. H 68 cm.
1868.
It is always astonishing to see how KPM were able to produce such large, impressive pieces to such perfection. For example this ovoid vase with its applied griffon's head handles, thick cylindrical neck, and a heavy protruding lip. In terms of the size of their products, they were the third most accomplished manufactory in Europe, with only Sèvres and St. Petersburg able to fire larger pieces. This exceptional vase was made as a royal presentation gift, as its sheer opulence, ravishing gilding, and finely painted view of the royal residence suggest.
The letter of presentation to Landrat Matthis Bleicken, dated 25th September 1868, is still kept in the records of the Königliches Hofmarschallamt and reads: “At the highest bequest of his majesty the King it gives me greatest pleasure to express to you his majesty's thanks for your kind hospitality in your domicile during his last sojourn, and to present you with this token of fond remembrance of his visit.”
Provenance
From the estate of Matthias Bleicken, Landrat of Tondern (Keitum 1822 - 1883 Tondern).
Literature
The view is based on an etching by Friedrich August Schmidt after a drawing by Johann Hubert Anton Forst (Ponert, cat. Berlin Museum, Berlin 1985, no. 118, p. 126).