Meissen armorial tureen

Code: 6544

Circa 1740

Hard-paste porcelain

Height: 11 in. (27.9 cm.)

Width: 11 in. (27.9 cm.)

Marks: crossed swords in underglaze blue on base, impressed 21

The service was ordered in January 1740. The arms are those of Don Luigi Reggio e Branciforte principe de Campofiorito, and incorporate the Order of St. Januarius. Don Luigi was the Spanish ambassador to Venice when Crown Prince Friedrich Christian of Saxony made his Grand Tour of Italy in 1738-40, and he received the Saxon prince in great style as he passed through Venice on his way to visit his sister, Queen Maria Amalia of Naples. The service was given to Don Luigi as a token of appreciation for his hospitality, and when he was later posted as French ambassador in Paris he took the service with him. The duc de Luynes commented that he saw the splendid service in use twice, once at a dinner to celebrate the birth of a baby to the Queen of Naples and the Two Sicilies and the second to celebrate the birth of Mme. Infante of Spain.