PORCELAIN BOTTLE STAND FROM THE SWAN SERVICE FOR HEINRICH GRAF VON BR蹾L.
Meissen. Moulding ca. 1741-1742. Model Johann Friedrich Eberlein; 1741.

Porcelain; decorated in colours and gold. Oval base with shell-moulded ground in relief. Above accordingly formed body with swan relief and large; opposed cartouche in the lower body area. The upper area pierced with strap work and flowers closing in serpentine rim contour. On both cartouches with shell finial the large alliance crest Br黨l-Kolowrat-Krakowsk?with flanking lions. Height 16.5cm; width top 23cm. Swords mark; number '26' impressed. Condition C.

Literature:
Exhibition catalogue: Schwanenservice - Meissener Porzellan f黵 Heinrich Graf von Br黨l; ed.: Ulrich Pietsch; Dresden 2000. To the model of the present bottle stand cf. p.168f.; cat.no.44.

"In the literature concerning the swan service the present piece is attributed different functions. On the one hand it is seen as a grape holder; on the other hand as a bottle stand. However; the identification as a bottle stand is pressumably correct; because due to the porcelain sheathing with corresponding decorative elements the inclusion of bocksbeutel-shaped wine bottles in the service context could take place. Furthermore; the missing bottom of the piece is suggesting such a function." [translation] (from: exhibition cat.: Schwanenservice (2000) p.169).

Heinrich Graf von Br黨l; who was the director of the Meissen porcelain manufacture since March 1733 and who was raised to Imperial Count in 1737; was known for his pompous celebrations. In order to organize large banquets with an equippement corresponding to his function as the Royal Polish and Electoral Saxonian Secret Cabinet Minister; the Meissen manufacture was to create a splendid service with large centre pieces; tureens and candlesticks. The first trial plates with various versions of decorations were made between 1736 and 1737. In the second half of 1737 Br黨l decided in favour of the swan service; which was subsequently produced in the manfacture after the models by Kaendler;
Eberlein and Ehder until 1742.
"The commission of Heinrich Graf von Br黨l for the swan service already made the evolution of table services of porcelain; which began ca. 1730; reached its artistic climax. Never before a service of such a range and with such a lavish richness concerning the plastic design had been produced; (...)". [translation]
(from: exhibition cat. Schwanenservice; 2000; p.24).Art trade; Van Ham.