A rare pair of Meissen salts, circa 1736-1740

modelled by J. F. Eberlein, of circular basket form with moulded woven borders and two applied handles, painted in the Koreanischer Löwe pattern with a winged dragon, a branch of indianische Blumen and a flying crane, supported on three scroll feet with Frauenkopf terminals, crossed swords marks in underglaze-blue, some restoration

C.Bednarczyk, Vienna

First salt- restoration to one of the scroll supports. Two firing cracks to bottom edge. Second salt- restoration to handle and to section of salt immediately beneath handle.Minor flaking to black enamel.Some restoration to the scroll supports.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This shape was originally modelled for the 'Sulkowski' service, the first major armorial service to be commissioned privately at Meissen in 1735. The shape thereafter entered regular production. An example of this form from the Sulkowski service is illustrated by Ruckert, Meissener Porzellan, 1966, no.487. A closely related pair of salts also painted in the Koreanischer Löwe pattern, on ormolu mounts, was sold at Sotheby's London on 23 June 1964, lot 131