Marcolini Meissen Porcelain Red Cabbage Trompe l'Oeil Tureen or Box and Cover

Details

Description

Botanical Jewel: Rare Marcolini Meissen Porcelain Red Cabbage Tureen

Origin: Meissen, Germany | Period: Marcolini Era ( c. 1774–1814) | … Read more Botanical Jewel: Rare Marcolini Meissen Porcelain Red Cabbage Tureen

Origin: Meissen, Germany | Period: Marcolini Era ( c. 1774–1814) | Material: Hard-Paste Porcelain

Dimensions: 3 1/2 inches (8.9 cm) high x 5 inches (12.7 cm) wide x 3 3/4 inches (9.5 cm) deep

This exquisite small tureen or covered box is a masterclass in 18th-century naturalism, produced by the Meissen Manufactory. The vessel is modeled as a compact head of cabbage, distinguished by its vibrant "Red Cabbage" (or radicchio) palette—a rarer variation than the standard green models. The porcelain is hand-painted with striking magenta and purple veining that feathers into a pale celadon green ground. A dramatically curled leaf rises from the center to form an integrated, sculptural finial. While green cabbage tureens are more common, examples featuring the red/purple variegation are less frequently seen on the market and are highly prized by collectors for their visual contrast.

Historical Context:

The Marcolini Period This piece dates to the directorship of Count Camillo Marcolini (1774–1814). While this era is often associated with strict Neoclassicism, Meissen continued to produce high-quality trompe l'œil botanical wares, refining the earlier rococo models of J.J. Kaendler. The painting style of this period is noted for its precision and the specific "dry" quality of the enamels, which allowed for distinct, crisp detailing of the vegetable veins.

Mark & Attribution: The underside bears the Underglaze Blue Crossed Swords mark with a distinct asterisk (or star) beneath the hilt. This specific mark is the primary identifier for the Marcolini period (1774–1814).

References:
Small botanical tureens of this quality are held in prestigious collections specializing in dining culture:

• The Porcelain Collection (Porzellansammlung), Dresden: The state collection possesses the definitive archive of Meissen’s botanical output.

(Ref: NY10948-kmrx) See less