Magnificent KPM Berlin potpourri vase with soft painting. by Franz Aulich so-called "Reed Vase No. 5". Baluster-shaped vase body with short, retracted neck and moulded rim, surrounded by rich rocaille decoration. Domed, open-worked lid, crowned by a large, finely sculpted bouquet of peonies. Tufts of reeds rising up the sides as handles. Rocaille cartouches in relief on both sides of the wall with a colourful floral arrangement of lilies, daisies, anemones and carnations, among others, in polychrome, pastel-coloured, so-called soft painting by Franz Aulich (active at KPM since 1888). Delicate pastel background areas in light yellow as well as mint and olive green. Surrounding ornamental borders in fine gold relief. Designed by Alexander Kips. Painter's sign "F. Aulich". Minimally restored; sceptre and painter's mark. Vase h. 87 cm. Franz Aulich (b. 1852) began his work at KPM in 1888 as a trained painter. He belonged to the first generation of painters and apprentice painters who were trained in this soft floral style from 1888 by the artistic pioneer of soft painting, Paul Miethe (b. 1864 in Berlin). With his high-quality floral compositions, the talented painter quickly rose to become one of the most respected painters in Paul Miethe's circle. The numerous archived studies and painting templates of the Royal Porcelain Manufactory, produced as gouache on drawing board and painted in watercolour, bear witness to his extensive oeuvre. Cf. Dietz, Sabet Collection, p. 130; Köllmann/Jarchow, Berliner Porzellan, p. 593; Ponert, Berlin Museum, no. 134. A splendid porcelain potpourri vase with finely formed applied decor and finely painted with flowers by F. Aulich. Painter's signature "F. Aulich". Minor restored. Sceptre and painter's mark. KPM-Berlin. Circa 1900.