FOUR MEISSEN EWERS EMBLEMATIC OF THE ELEMENTS

 FOUR MEISSEN EWERS EMBLEMATIC OF THE ELEMENTS, Germany 19th Century

This extremely important set of Meissen ewers represents the four elements:

Earth, Air, Water and Fire. Impressive in both size and artistry, they are among the most famous and spectacular examples of Meissen porcelain ever made. Each vase is an incredible piece of artwork, interpreting one of the four elements into a stunning vase form of unsurpassed quality and execution.

First introduced by Meissen artist Johann Joachim Kändler around 1735. Johann Joachim Kändler was a German sculptor who became the most important modeller of the Meissen porcelain manufactory, and arguably of all European porcelain. He worked at Meissen for over 40 years, from 1731 until his death in 1775. The Four Elements represent that height of his achievements with fine porcelain creations. Water with a relief naval scene flanked by the figures of a galloping horses, mermaid and the god Neptune. The circular flaring base has decorations of spouting dolphins among bulrushes. Air is portrayed with flying birds and billowing clouds, all under the reign of Juno, the goddess who personifies air, and her peacock. Earth is represented by a detailed hunt scene and presided over by Pan, the Greek god of woods and fields. Fire is represented by a dragon-shaped handle, animals fleeing the burning forest and Vulcan, the god of fire.

Each ewer is marked to the underside with Meissen blue crossed swords. They are first quality with no cancelation marks.