Rare Meissen Cold Soup Tureen with Peeled Lemon Handle on Lid. Marcolini Period, 1774-1814. Rare Meissen soup tureen with blue, crossed swords mark on base with "star" or asterisk. Also under the star is the number 4. Tureen without the lid is 8¼ x 10 x 10". There are a few issues of note with this otherwise truly beautiful work. Please see the close-up of hallmark. There is a single slash through the mark which means the piece was sold undecorated to another artist/studio and not an inferior second. The lid boasts the ingenious peeled-lemon handle but there is a small break in the peel and a chip. The footed bowl was professionally cleaned of odd residue and paint and now presents beautifully. Where the foot meets the bowl, there is just a minor gap and a small fleabite around the edge.

Considerations should be noted, nevertheless this tureen is over 200 years in age and is absolutely beautiful. The painted birds and insects are exquisitely, intricately painted and would be a welcome addition to any Meissen home.
Estimated Value $800-UP.