A Meissen dot-period lobster tureen and three covers, circa 1770

naturalistically modelled and coloured with a red shell, its underside picked out in pink and black, formed with three compartments, the covers applied with green vine handles, crossed swords and dot mark in underglaze-blue to the interior,

Property of the Estate of Nelson A. Rockefeller, sold Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, 11th April 1980, lot 165.

There is sympathetic subtle restoration. The two smaller covers have spray to the undersides and to the outer edges of the topsides. The larger cover has similar repair with a flat chip to edge, handles are stored. Both large claws have some restoration and two of its legs have been repaired with some minor repairs to extremities on the underside.
"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."

Related Literature
Carl Christian Dauterman, The Wrightsman Collection, New York, 1970, vol. IV, p. 141, no. 71.

Another example of this rare form marked for the Marcolini period was sold at Christie's London, 11th December 2000, lot 280. A variation was modelled with one compartment, one such example from the Wrightsman collection was sold in these rooms, 21st November 2006, lot 14, published in the collection catalogue, op. cit.