14" Antique Sitzendorf Dragon Vase – Hand-Painted Birds – Germany c.1890

The Item at a Glance

• Manufacturer: Sitzendorf Porcelain Factory (Voigt Brothers)

• Origin: Thuringia, Germany

• Height: 14 Inches (Large-scale cabinet/mantel size)

• Model Number: 1883 (Impressed/Blind-marked)

• Era: Late 19th Century (Circa 1890–1910)

• Style: Rococo Revival (Second Rococo)

• Decoration: Hand-painted Ornithological Study (Blue Tits)

Detailed Description

A Rare 14-Inch Architectural Form

Standing at an impressive 14 inches, this is a substantial example of late Victorian German porcelain. Most Sitzendorf pieces of this era are smaller giftware; this vase was produced as a high-end ornamental centerpiece. It features the iconic Dragon-Handle (or Bat-wing) silhouette, a hallmark of the Rococo Revival style that flourished under the Voigt Brothers' direction.

Artistry & Craftsmanship

• The Painting: The central vignette features a pair of Blue Tits rendered with remarkable naturalistic detail. The birds are perched among wildflowers, executed in fine polychrome enamels. This is 100% hand-painted artistry, not a transfer.

• Dual-Tone Gradient Ground: The body displays a sophisticated "ombre" effect, transitioning from a pale sky-blue at the neck to a deep, resonant forest-green at the base.

• Technical Details: The rim is finished with an intricate reticulated (pierced) lattice, a high-risk firing technique that demonstrates the factory’s mastery of hard-paste porcelain.

Markings & Authenticity

The base features two important impressed (blind) marks located beneath the glaze, which are the primary indicators of a genuine 19th-century mold:

1. Impressed "1883": The specific model registration number for this design.

2. Impressed "+": Found in the bottom right corner, this is a craftsman’s mark used by the master molder for quality control and payroll within the Thuringian workshop.

Condition Report

• Structure: Excellent antique condition. No chips, cracks, or professional repairs to the delicate reticulated rim or the dragon handles.

• Decoration: The hand-painted bird study remains vibrant and free of surface scratches.

• Gilding: There is light, age-appropriate "softening" of the gold wash on the handles and base, providing a beautiful authentic patina without detracting from the display.

Shipping & Handling

Oversized Item – Specialist Packing: Due to the 14-inch height and the fragility of the handles/rim, this vase will be double-boxed and packed with proper cushioning.

A Note on Value

Because of the large 14-inch size and the impressed 1883 mold number, this is a significant find for collectors of Thuringian or "Dresden-style" porcelain. Its height and the clarity of the bird painting make it a premier example of the Voigt Brothers' legacy.