Forget-me-not Gourd-form Porcelain Scent Bottle, Meissen Or Dresden, C.1850

A rare and finely modelled porcelain scent bottle in the form of a gourd, richly decorated with applied floral vinery, delicate forget-me-not blossoms, and hand-painted garden insects. The creamy glaze with visible craquelure, together with the naturalistic floral modelling, is strongly associated with mid-19th-century Meissen production and its Dresden counterparts.                       A recent visual analysis using AI-supported tools suggests, with over 90% confidence, that the piece originates from the Meissen manufactory, c.1850. A smaller probability (approximately 10%) remains for attribution to a high-end Dresden workshop such as Carl Thieme (Potschappel), Richard Klemm, or Donath.                                                                                                        The underside bears a later-applied mark “SPF”, placed over an area where the original factory mark appears to have been intentionally erased. This practice was not uncommon in the 19th century — particularly when objects changed hands through dealers or were destined for resale abroad. The removal of the original mark, most likely Meissen, and substitution with another identifier was sometimes used to obscure provenance, bypass trade restrictions, or create the appearance of greater rarity. "SPF" may refer to a dealer, restorer, or collector.                                   This is a highly collectible and decorative example of 19th-century German porcelain art, combining sculptural detail, painterly finesse, and historical intrigue. Condition: Neck reattached with visible exterior crack. Small chip to stopper. Losses to applied flowers.  One area of the lower body shows enamel loss and chipping to the applied decoration, exposing the underlying ceramic. This is consistent with age and fragility of such fine applied work .Otherwise, good antique condition. Dimensions: Height: 18 cm Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.   Etsy Forget-me-not Gourd-Form Porcelain Scent Bottle, Meissen or Dresden, c.1850 Meissen perfume bottle, antique scent bottle, Dresden porcelain, 19th century vanity, floral gourd bottle, forget-me-not decor, porcelain perfume flask, collectible German porcelain A rare antique porcelain perfume bottle in the shape of a gourd, richly decorated with applied floral vinery and painted garden insects. The delicate forget-me-not blossoms and creamy glaze with visible craquelure are closely associated with Meissen and Dresden porcelain production of the mid-19th century.                                                                                                                                       A recent visual analysis using AI-assisted tools suggests that the piece was made around 1850, with over 90% confidence pointing to the Meissen manufactory. A smaller probability (approximately 10%) remains for high-end Dresden workshops such as Carl Thieme (Potschappel), Richard Klemm, or Donath.                                                                                                   The underside bears a hand-painted mark “SPF”, placed over a visibly erased original mark - most likely Meissen. This was a common 19th-century practice by dealers, restorers, or exporters seeking to obscure provenance or enhance rarity. Condition: Neck reattached with visible exterior crack. Small chip to stopper. Losses to applied flowers. One area of the lower body shows enamel loss and chipping to the applied decoration, exposing the underlying ceramic. This is consistent with age and fragility of such fine applied work .Otherwise good antique condition. Height: 18 cm Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance.