Meissen Porcelain Fine Bird-Painted Tea Service, Set of Six Cups & Saucers With Original Box and Certificate Lot Overview A magnificent and complete set of six tea cups and saucers produced by the world-renowned Meissen Porcelain Manufactory (Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen), presented in their original retailer's box and accompanied by a Meissen Porcelain booklet. Each piece is individually hand-painted with a different European songbird in its natural habitat — an exceptional display of the master painters' artistry for which Meissen has been celebrated since 1710. Key Details Manufacturer: Meissen Porzellan-Manufaktur, Meissen, Germany Pattern: Ornithological / Naturalistic Bird Series Form: Neubrandenstein (scalloped / ozier-moulded) Pieces: 6 tea cups and 6 saucers (12 pieces total) Authentication: Underglaze blue crossed-swords mark on each piece Condition: Excellent Provenance: Purchased new; retained in original box with Meissen booklet Detailed Description The cups are formed in the classic Meissen Neubrandenstein shape — gracefully scalloped rims with subtle moulded cartouches on the body — finished with gilt rims, gilt foot rings, and gilded scroll handles. The saucers echo the scalloped outline with matching gilt borders. Each cup bears a unique, finely executed polychrome bird painting, faithfully rendered in the tradition of 18th-century European ornithological illustration. The six birds depicted are: • European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) Perched on a branch with blue berries and foliage; distinctive orange-red breast rendered with exceptional detail. Two cups feature this species, each from a slightly different angle and composition, demonstrating the painter's mastery of individual characterisation. • Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) Depicted on a leafy branch bearing dark blue berries; warm orange and chestnut plumage contrasting against a white ground. • Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) Shown on a pine branch with small pink flowers; beautifully rendered iridescent blue gorget, orange and white flanks, and olive-brown upper parts. • Eurasian Siskin / Yellowhammer (Emberiza / Carduelis sp.) A compact yellow-green bird perched on a rowan branch with clusters of red berries; warm olive and dark wing markings. • Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus) The most distinctive bird of the set, shown in profile on a pine branch; the elaborate black-and-white streaked crest is rendered in exceptional brushwork. • Blackburnian / Citrine Warbler type A striking bird with a vivid yellow-orange face and black mask, perched among pine needles; warm sienna-spotted breast feathers painted with remarkable precision. Authentication & Marks Every piece is marked on the base with Meissen's iconic underglaze cobalt-blue crossed swords — the world's oldest porcelain trademark, in continuous use since 1722. The marks on this set are clear and consistent with modern Meissen production: bold crossed swords with a small additional mark, confirming first-quality status (no grinder's cut or other quality reduction marks). Impressed mould numbers are also present on the base of each piece. Provenance & Packaging The set is offered in its original retail presentation box, illustrated with the Meissen crossed-swords logo, accompanied by the official Meissen Porcelain booklet (pictured). This combination of original packaging and supporting literature adds considerably to the collectibility and displayability of the lot. The pieces show no signs of use — the gilding is bright and fully intact throughout. Condition Report All twelve pieces (6 cups, 6 saucers) are in excellent, near-mint condition.