A rare Meissen pierced bowl, circa 1740-45

Probably modelled by J.F. Eberlein and J.G. Ehder, of deep lobed form, the gilt-edged rim with a pierced band of stylised flowers, the centre painted with scattered flowers and insects with shadows, 27.3cm diam., crossed swords in underglaze-blue, impressed 21 (haircrack and minor loss to rim)

Provenance:
Sir Walter Rockcliffe Farquhar, 3rd Bart (1810-1900), Polesden Lacey;
Thence by descent to the current owner

The model is first mentioned in Eberlein's work records in September 1740 as an unfinished "durchbrochene ConfectSchale" [pierced confectionary bowl]; it was completed the same month by Ehder and is referred to in his work records as "eine Große Obst Schale mit durchbrochenen Zieraden" [a large fruit bowl with pierced decorations], with further mention of three more in October (see J. Weber, Meißener Porzellane mit Dekoren nach ostasiatischen Vorbildern, vol. II (2013), cat. no. 300, for a smaller example decorated with the 'Squirrel' pattern.