Lot Title: An Important Meissen Seven Years' War Period Double-Gourd Vase Date: Circa 1750–1760 Model: Y 44 Description: A finely potted "calabash" vase of double-gourd form, this piece is a testament to Meissen's artistic resilience during the mid-18th century. The porcelain body is hand-painted in vibrant polychrome enamels with a large, naturalistic bouquet of deutsche blumen (German flowers) and two masterfully detailed streuinsekten (scattered insects)—including a butterfly and a beetle. The form is accented with a rich, hand-applied gold rim. Marks: Underglaze blue crossed swords mark (consistent with the mid-18th century); incised model number Y 44; and an impressed form-presser’s number to the base. Overall Condition: Outstanding antique condition for a mid-18th-century piece. Decoration: Enamels are exceptionally fresh with minimal wear. The insects are crisp and well-defined. Glaze & Paste: Authentic 1750s "white gold" paste showing minor characteristic firing specks, which are effectively camouflaged by the scattered insect decoration. Gilding: Slight, age-appropriate rubbing to the gold rim, consistent with a piece that has not been over-restored. Base: No cracks or hairline fractures. The incised Y 44 is clearly legible and provides excellent provenance for the model. Market Context Vases from the 1750s are particularly sought after by collectors for their transitional Rococo charm and historical provenance. Similar mid-18th-century Meissen vases often achieve higher premiums than later "Dot Period" or 19th-century reproductions due to the hand-modeled nature of the Y 44 form and the rarity of seeing such pieces without significant damage.