Pair of magnificent snowball vases by Meissen Baluster-shaped body with hood-shaped lid. Topped with a pair of goldfinches perched on a branch. On the wall and the lid a dense background of small, white, yellow-red painted and embossed flowers, surrounded by branching vines in relief with numerous, large flower umbels, so-called snowball spheres. A fully sculpted oriole and wagtail sitting on either side. Basket-shaped, lattice-like openwork wall section with basket weave relief. Polychrome painting. Designed by Johann Joachim Kaendler. Model no. 2774, partially restored, slightly chipped, crossed swords mark. H. 50 cm. Inspired by East Asian decorations, J. J. Kaendler began in 1739 for the first time to cover the surfaces of porcelain with sculptural flowers on all sides instead of partially embossing them as before, which was an artistic sensation as well as a technical masterpiece. These extremely expensive vases quickly became coveted showpieces of courtly decoration. Kaendler modelled a series of vases for Louis XV of France in 1741/42; Frederick the Great ordered six lidded vases in 1745 and numerous other vases for the New Palace in Potsdam from 1762 onwards. Such snowball vases were coveted cabinet pieces and were placed on consoles and mantelpieces or between wall panels. Cf. Rückert, no. 676ff; Pietsch, no. 411; Keramos, 208, 2010, p. 38. A pair of splendid porcelain "Schneeball" vases with with different types of bird figures. Partly restored. Minor chipped. Crossed swords mark. Meissen. 2nd half 19th cent.