Antique Meissen Porcelain Floral Encrusted Tea Cup & Saucer

  

Meissen, Germany, late 19th to early 20th century. Hard-paste porcelain, hand-painted with polychrome enamels and gilt accents, applied porcelain flowers, five small knop feet. This exquisitely detailed porcelain cup and saucer exemplifies the technical virtuosity and delicate naturalism characteristic of the Meissen manufactory. The scalloped rimmed cup, elevated on five finely gilt knop feet, is lavishly adorned with applied and hand-modeled forget-me-not flowers, their stems and blossoms curling in high relief around the body of the vessel. The tiny blossoms, rendered in a lifelike cobalt blue with yellow centers, emerge amidst hand-painted insects and scattered floral sprays, further enhancing the illusion of a blossoming garden in miniature.

The accompanying saucer is painted with scattered botanical elements and insects, the central well featuring a painted cluster of forget-me-nots that echo the sculptural decoration of the cup. A soft gilt line accents the rim of both pieces, adding a refined sense of luxury to the ensemble. Marked with the underglaze blue crossed swords of the Meissen manufactory to the base of the cup, this set reflects the Rococo revival interest in floriculture and fine ornamentation that persisted into the later 19th century. Its jewel-like detailing and charming scale suggest it was likely intended as a cabinet piece rather than for practical use.

4.5" d x 3.5" w x 2.25 h teacup.