Description: Elegant Meissen porcelain vase with sculptural snake-form handles and rich floral hand painting. Crafted circa 1880–1910 by the renowned Meissen manufactory, featuring: - Cobalt blue ground with hand-painted polychrome floral bouquets - Ornate scrollwork handles in the form of intertwined serpents - Rich gilded accents on base, rim, and handle terminals - Model number “2170” inscribed in glaze; impressed number “17”; underglaze blue crossed swords mark (authentic Meissen, no cancellation lines) - Square base with gold banding Designer & Artistic Style: This vase was designed by Ernst August Leuteritz (1818–1893), Meissen's chief model designer in the 19th century. Introduced around 1861–1862, the so-called 'snake-handle vase' was inspired by Greco-Roman forms and became a staple of Meissen’s historicist design era. Leuteritz blended classical motifs with Rococo elements, resulting in a highly ornamental and sculptural form. The intertwining serpent handles are both symbolic and functional, with sculpted coils rising from acanthus-leaf terminals. The vivid floral bouquets reflect Meissen’s naturalistic painting tradition, known as 'Deutsche Blumen' (German Flowers), characterized by large, realistic blooms carefully painted in overglaze enamels. The cobalt blue glaze and gilding enhance the contrast and richness of the design, making this a true display piece from Meissen’s late 19th-century decorative production. The vase is in excellent condition with no chips, no cracks, and no repairs. The vase will be packed with extreme care using double boxing, padding and will be shipped fully insured. Collection in the Netherlands is possible.