Magnificent Meissen centrepiece with gardener's children and allegories of the seasons 9-piece; Oval, multi-fitted, curved, leaf-relief tray with branch handles on the sides. The shaft rises in a volute shape in the centre to support an open-worked bowl with handles and sculpted flowers. Below, on different levels, seated gardener's children with flower baskets and individual blossoms, depicting spring. A recessed, slightly deeper medallion around each side of the tray with various flower bouquets as an insert for a figure. Eight figures as allegories of the seasons. Each standing on a round natural stone base with a deep, shell-like spice jar. Next to each is an allegorical figure with the attribute corresponding to the season. The lady with flower tendrils as spring, with ears of corn as summer, the gentleman with grapes as autumn and with fire as winter. Polychrome painting with gold decoration. Model no. 2162, figure model nos. 2032, 2025, 2025x, 605/ 4 and 2053, minor rest/ minor wear: sword mark. Centrepiece 45 cm x 35 cm x 38 cm. Figure h. 13.5 - 15.5 cm. Cf. royal Saxon. Porzellan-Manufactur zu Meissen, sheet 3. Ernst August Leuteritz (1818 - 1893) was responsible for developments in Meissen from 1849 as head of the design department. His extensive oeuvre of figures and figure groups, tableware and vases as well as clocks, candlesticks and centrepieces in the style of historicism had a lasting influence on the Meissen decorative style of the 19th century. A splendid porcelain centre piece with gardeners and allegorical figures of the seasons. Insignificantly restored. Minor chipped. Crossed swords mark. Meissen. 19th century.