Rare Bowl In The Style Of Meissen, Helena Wolfsohn, Dresden, Circa 1880

This exquisite and rare porcelain bowl from the Helena Wolfsohn manufactory is a fine example of 19th-century Dresden craftsmanship. Made around 1880, this oval-shaped pedestal bowl features an unusual design with four dog-head handles and four dolphin-shaped feet, blending whimsical elements with the classical elegance of the Baroque style. The hand-painted polychrome decoration features intricate floral bouquets, scattered flowers, insects and butterflies, reminiscent of the classic Meissen style found in many renowned pieces. The base of the bowl bears the AR mark, which imitates the mark of early Meissen with slight variations. Helena Wolfsohn ran a porcelain decorating studio in Dresden from 1843, continuing the legacy of her father, who ran a porcelain business under the name L. Meyer & Söhne. The workshop mainly obtained undecorated porcelain blanks from various manufacturers, including Meissen, which were then decorated by the best artists in Dresden in the style of Meissen's early works. The Wolfsohn factory was renowned for the quality of its porcelain paintings. After Helena Wolfsohn's death in 1869, her daughter Emilie Elb inherited the factory. However, from 1869 until the factory closed, the factory's operations were managed by Emilie's husband Leopold Elb and his partner W. E. Stephan. Despite the change in management, the company retained the name "Helena Wolfsohn". In 1881, the Meissen manufactory sued the Wolfsohn workshop for using the "AR" (Augustus Rex) mark, which was closely associated with Meissen's own mark. In 1883, a court ruling forced Wolfsohn to stop using this mark, and the financial compensation demanded caused severe financial difficulties for the manufactory, which eventually went bankrupt. Despite its relatively short period of activity, the Helena Wolfsohn manufactory produced some of the finest decorative porcelain of its time, making pieces such as this bowl exceptionally rare and collectible. The Helena Wolfsohn manufactory was one of the best followers and preservers of the traditions of Meissen porcelain. It is often very difficult to distinguish Meissen porcelain from Helena Wolfsohn's works, given the high level of execution. Compare it for example to a similar piece from Meissen https://auktionen.auktionshauswendl.de/en/lot/lot-details/23791/siebschale-mit-hundekopfhandhaben It is very difficult to find differences between these two works of art. As a result, prices for Helena Wolfsohn pieces continue to rise.
Piece dimensions: Length: 33.7 cm, width: 14.5 cm, height: 8.5 cm, weight: 722 grams.
Condition: The right ear of the dog's head handle has a professional repair that is only visible with a magnifying glass. There is also some slight loss of gilding due to age. Overall, the bowl is in excellent condition.
Please examine the attached photographs carefully as they are an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Please note that shipping costs include labor, packaging and postage.