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Lot Essay
Tubs similar to the present example would appear to be unrecorded in the standard literature for this German factory. See Emil Heuser, Porzellan aus Strassburg und Frankenthal im 18 Jarhundert, 1922, pp. 62-63 for a listing of the flowers produced. Those on the present pair of mantle ornaments include carnations, cornflowers, roses, pinks, tulips and jonquils.
The form is based on the Sèvres model for a caisse carré, drawings for which dated 1752, although none would appear to have been produced before 1754. Although the presence of draining holes on the underside would seem to indicate that the pots were used for growing real plants, it would appear that they were always meant to hold porcelain bouquets. That the present pair have survived intact with their original liners and flowers is remarkable.
The form is based on the Sèvres model for a caisse carré, drawings for which dated 1752, although none would appear to have been produced before 1754. Although the presence of draining holes on the underside would seem to indicate that the pots were used for growing real plants, it would appear that they were always meant to hold porcelain bouquets. That the present pair have survived intact with their original liners and flowers is remarkable.