A rare early Meissen Dutch-decorated vase and cover, circa 1715-20, the decoration slightly laterA rare early Meissen Dutch-decorated vase and cover, circa 1715-20, the decoration slightly laterOf ovoid form, painted with flower sprays alternating with birds, insects and butterflies, the moulded stiff-leaf borders painted in puce, iron-red and gilding, alternating with green, black and iron-red, the foot painted with a puce and gilt spiral band, the cover with a moulded stiff-leaf border painted in puce, iron-red and gilding, with formal foliate borders to the rim and top, 15.2cm high (very minor wear to enamels and gilding) (2)Provenance:Anon. sale, Sotheby's London, 27 February 1996, lot 89