A Pair of 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Scheenballen Parrot Covered Vases

Product Description

A Monumental and Beautiful Pair of 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Schneeballen “Snowball” Parrot Covered Vases. Each of these magnificent Meissen vases are beautifully made by covering the entirety of the vases with individually hand-carved and hand painted porcelain flowers. The word “schneeballen” is German for snowball, which relates to the slightly blue tinged balls of flowers which protrude off the body of the vases.

The schneeballen porcelain technique was first conceived by the illustrious Meissen Porcelain artist Johann Joachim Kændler in the mid 1700’s. It is considered one of the most beautiful and desired models made by Meissen to date. When the schneeballen technique was created, royalty from around the globe was made aware of its majestic beauty and King Frederick commissioned six schneeballen vases to be made and called them “synthesis of art and nature”.

Gorgeously decorated with an array of hand-craved and hand-painted individual porcelain flowers which are each individually applied to the larger porcelain bodies. To elevate these pieces further, the vases are further decorated with life-like vines and leaves which run around the bodies and rest on the flowers. Resting atop each of the vases are two parrots, each hand-carved and hand-painted to perfection. Pairs of this size, quality, and condition are very difficult to find, especially based on their age. Meissen produces the highest quality European porcelain and each of their pieces is of the best quality. The vases are further adorned with 24K hand-painted gilt decoration.
Germany, Circa: 1800’s

Height: 24.5 in (62.23 cm)
Width: 12 in (30.48 cm)
Depth: 13 in (33.02 cm)