BERLIN: - Lot 0

BERLIN: A rocaille-shaped porcelain head-to-head service with polychrome and gold decoration of lovers, allegories of the arts, among clouds after engravings by François Boucher. The rim and sides are highlighted with cartouches featuring tortoiseshell motifs, garlands and wreaths of flowers in gold. It includes: - 1 tray (restored) (42 x 31 cm). - 1 covered coffee pot (h: 20 cm). - 1 covered sugar bowl (restored lid) 5h : 10, 5 cm). - 1 milk jug. - 2 cups and their saucers (one handle restored, one cup chipped). - 1 saucer. Sceptre mark in blue underglaze. 18th century, circa 1775-1780. In a burgundy gilded leather case with key, crimson velvet interior. 16.5 x 46.5 x 36.5 cm. The depiction of the two lovers on the milk jug is directly inspired by François Boucher's composition entitled "La Poésie", engraved by Hucquier, taken from the Livre des Arts. The love depicted on the coffee pot is also based on a composition by François Boucher, engraved by Hucquier and taken from the Second Book of Children's Groups. Provenance : Drouot Paris, Mirabaud - Mercier, June 1, 2016 under lot 98 The catalog note of the sale in which this service was previously auctioned mentions this box as a historical souvenir that belonged to Voltaire and was given to him by Empress Catherine II. The service had remained in the family's direct line of descent. Expert: Mr. Morgan BLAISE Sale at the request of AGRASC, legal fees : 14,28%TTC