A Meissen porcelain krater vase nightlight with a lithophane
Medici vase design, fired in two parts and screw-mounted. The bulbous, pierced lower section with two handles resting upon a fluted, parcel-gilt base. The body formed from a lithophane fired in one piece and slightly flaring towards the rim. Depicting scenes in four reserves surrounded by a meander border: To the front a depiction of the Hofkirche seen from the left bank of the river Elbe after Canaletto, the reverse with Cupid after Anton Raphael Mengs flanked by laurel wreaths illuminated by rays of the rising sun. Blue crossed swords mark, iron red triangle mark and no. 10. Some cracks to the body. H 33, D 20.8 cm.
C. 1830 - 40.
Meissen began producing lithophanes for use as lampshades in the 1830s. The scenes or paintings reproduced in the porcelain appeared three-dimensional when lit from behind. At first, this novel optical feat could only be produced by the great porcelain manufactories of Sévres, Berlin and Meissen. Even at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, Meissen still presented lithophanes as an important part of their product line. Bell-shaped lithophanes are considerably rarer, since the production of rounded surfaces in such a thin material posed a considerable challenge due to the risk of breakage. No other examples of this vase are known to exist. It is possible that the piece was manufactured in connection with Friedrich August II's (1797 – 1854) coronation as king of Saxony.
Provenance
Collection of Renate and Tono Dreßen.
Literature
Illus. in: Steckelings, Leuchtender Stein - Die Geschichte der Lithophanie vom 18. bis ins 20. Jahrhundert, Düsseldorf 2014, p. 70 ff. Illus. in cat. Blütenlese, Meißener Porzellan aus der Sammlung Tono Dreßen, Berlin-Munich 2018, no. 48. For more on Meissen's newer production and lithophanes see: Kunze, Die Kritik Dresdener Künstler an den Meißner Porzellanen nach 1830, in: Jahrbuch der Staatlichen Kunstsammlungen Dresden, vol. 15/1983, p. 108.
Exhibitions
“Magie von Licht und Schatten“ Leuchtende Bildwelten in Porzellan, Hetjens-Museum Düsseldorf 2012.