Soup tureen

The tureen with a lid, richly decorated with hand-painted flowers and rococo ornaments in the form of medallions and garlands, was made by the porcelain manufactory established in 1758 by Carl Eugen, Duke of Württemberg – art lover and patron of the arts – at his palace in Ludwigsburg, near Stuttgart. The tureen probably dates from the first, best period of the manufactory’s activity and is signed with two intersecting letter ‘C’s surmounted by the Württemberg crown. The factory in Ludwigsburg employed the best German makers of porcelain, painters and modellers who had gained their experience in Meissen, and other places. It became famous for its porcelain figurines – in particular those depicting ballet dancers – and also other musicians and players of folk music; its range also included tableware and other porcelain table accessories. Due to the relatively short existence of the manufactory, its products are a rarity. [A.Czarnecka]