Antique German Grand Tour Style Bisque Porcelain Boar’s Head Rhyton Form Vase Sculpture

A striking antique European Grand Tour style bisque porcelain rhyton form vase, circa 1875

Continental, most likely German, late 19th century, exceptionally executed sculptural form, the vase depicting a large rhyton cornucopia cup with gadrooned edge and neoclassical decoration, also called the horn of plenty, classically it was a symbol of abundance and nourishment, issuing from a finely detailed wild boar’s head balanced by an acanthus leaf on a molded drum; the integral plinth with wreaths and draped putti reclining on swags in relief.

Marks:
Blue crown-cipher; impressed M1648

Unidentified maker, having a blue crown and script mark, the manufacturer of this vase is a bit of a mystery. The mark is puzzling because it doesn’t appear in any of the standard reference books on pottery marks. The French made a wide variety of Rhyta in both Paris and Limoges, but it’s probably not French as they rarely used a crown in their marks. Many German factories used a crown in their marks, so it most likely comes from that region.

Dimensions: (approx)
11.75″ High x 10.5″ Wide x 8″ Deep
(29.2 x 26.7 x 20.3 cm)

Provenance/Acquisition:
Acquired from the highly reputable auction house, Heritage Auctions, Dallas, Texas. 2024 Fine & Decorative Arts Showcase Auction catalog #13214 item 28050

Condition Report:
A superb example, in great original antique condition. Presents well, of good size and presence, few typical minor scattered flakes and minor dust accretions commensurate with age and use.