18th-century Meissen Armorial Porcelain Plate Ferrero Service, C1740

A rare Meissen armorial plate from the Ferrero Service, circa 1740, with wavy 'New Cut' border, gilded, painted with the Ferrero coat of arms, holzschnittblumen, and insects, underglaze blue crossed swords mark to base, 23.5 cm (9.3 in) diameter.

Notes: Carlo Francesco Vincenzo Ferrero, Marchese d'Ormea (1680-1745), had a distinguished career serving the Kings of Sardinia, including Vittorio Amadeo II and Carlo Emmanuele I. His positions included Minister of the Interior and Ambassador to Dresden, culminating in his appointment as Grand Chancellor of the Kingdom in 1742. Vittorio Amadeo II had previously received a large gift of Meissen porcelain from Augustus the Strong in 1725 (M. Cassidy-Geiger, Diplomatic Gifts 2007, pp. 209-212). The exact circumstances of how Ferrero acquired the service are unclear, but it may have been a gift received either during his tenure as ambassador in Dresden or in recognition of his diplomatic efforts following the death of Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor, a crisis that contributed to the outbreak of the War of the Austrian Succession. Only a small number of pieces from this specific service, mainly plates and platters, are known to have survived.

Condition: In very good condition, no cracks, chips, or restoration. Light rubbing to the decoration in the well.

References:
Koller Auctions, Lot 1710, Auction A174 Silver & Porcelain, September 17, 2015 (sold for CHF 6,000 / €6,545 / £5,676).
Christie’s, London, Lot 541, Auction 18375, 17 Nov 2020.

Shipping/Import: Free to most destinations. EU customers, PLEASE NOTE: Our price for this item includes all shipping and import costs (customs duty, clearance fees, and VAT). For other destinations, please inquire.