Limited Masterworks Floral Trophy

With the magnificent Floral Goblet, a historic masterpiece first created between 1710 and 1720 enjoys a radiant renaissance. For this brilliant reinterpretation, designer Lena Hensel combines the formal language of the former silversmith and modeller Jakob Irminger with an exceptionally precise chessboard pattern and a vibrant carpet of flowers.

Two contrasting design principles meet and yet unite to form a new artistic whole: the sharply defined chessboard pattern that envelops the body of the vessel and a colourful floral composition reminiscent of a camouflage design, from which the newly created sculptural flowers on the cover emerge in striking brilliance.

The original form of the goblet is dynamically embraced by the expanding chessboard decoration. Deliberately disregarding the divisions and reliefs of the vessel, the design creates a surreal and vivid effect upon the otherwise static form. The strong contrast of black and white and the remarkable precision of the painted surfaces stand in deliberate opposition to the playful camouflage flowers adorning the cover and handles. The execution of the chessboard pattern demands exceptional accuracy and skill from the decorative painters.

At the same time, the cover embodies the two highest disciplines of Meissen craftsmanship. Painting and sculpture merge seamlessly, dissolving the boundaries between two-dimensional and three-dimensional design. Concealing sculptural elements so masterfully and deliberately working against the underlying form is an artistic achievement of the highest order. This approach presents the flower painters with the challenge of "painting without a surface" and requires absolute virtuosity in its execution.