Exclusive Collection Vase with snowballs

In the mid-eighteenth century, European porcelain art underwent a transformation. The exotic motifs inspired by East Asian models gradually gave way to an opulent European style. New decorative schemes and forms emerged to satisfy the flourishing taste of the Rococo, marking a period of artistic brilliance at the Meissen manufactory under the direction of the great modeller Johann Joachim Kaendler.

Among his most celebrated creations is undoubtedly the "Snowball Blossom" decoration of 1739. Covered entirely with individually modelled blossoms, it first adorned a service commissioned by Augustus III for his wife, Maria Josepha of Austria. Even Frederick the Great could not resist the charm of this floral splendour and ordered six vases decorated in the same style in 1760.

Around the same time, the "Snowball Jug" was created. The exceptional work presented here is covered with approximately 4,100 individually formed and applied blossoms. Amid the profusion of flowers and finely modelled vine leaves unfolds a lively world of birds. Depicted are a siskin, oriole, cockatoo, blue tit and yellowhammer, lending the jug an additional sense of lightness and natural vitality.

To this day, every blossom is shaped individually, carefully applied and then painted by hand. This elaborate artisanal process creates subtle variations that make each piece a unique work of art.

It is therefore no exaggeration to say that Johann Joachim Kaendler quite literally brought European porcelain art into bloom. This Snowball Jug stands as an impressive testament to the technical mastery, creativity and artistic perfection of the Meissen porcelain manufactory.