Circa 1880-1910 | First Quality Crossed Swords | Hand-Painted Flowers & Insects
Up for auction or purchase consideration is an extraordinarily beautiful and highly unusual antique hard-paste porcelain oval serving/dresser tray produced in Germany by the world-famous Meissen porcelain manufactory. This scarce cabinet object dates cleanly to the late 19th or early 20th century.
The tray features an elegant, deeply contoured Dulong-style molded relief border forming geometric bracketed curves along the rim. It is masterfully hand-painted in the classic "Deutsche Blumen" (German Flowers) style, showcasing a magnificent central bouquet anchored by a large pink rose, a yellow narcissus blossom, and an orange tulip. The field is intricately detailed with scattered individual flower sprigs, hand-painted butterflies, a ladybug, and a honeybee. The undulating rim is elegantly finished with a continuous, polished hand-applied gold leaf edge.
| Manufacturer | Meissen (Germany) |
| Object Type | Oval Serving Platter / Dresser Tray / Tea Service Tray |
| Base Mark | Underglaze Blue Crossed Swords Mark (First Quality - No cancellation slashes) |
| Measurements | 10 7/8" Length x 8 3/4" Width x 3/4" Depth |
| Decorative Motifs | German Floral Bouquets, Hand-Painted Butterflies, Honeybee, Ladybug, Gold Gilt Edge |
PRISTINE / NO DEFECTS: This tray is in exceptional antique preservation. Absolutely no chips, cracks, hairline fractures, fleabites, or repairs. The clear glaze surface is remarkably clean with zero crazing. The hand-painted enamel botanical scenes and insects remain strikingly bright and glossy, and the fine gold leaf rim trim is entirely intact with no notable rubbing or shelf-wear. An absolute collector-grade piece. #E2012