Each figure is modelled in the form of a putto supporting a pierced double ogée rococo vase decorated with gilt-edged rocaille moulding and delicately painted flowers known as Manier blumen.
The bases carry the Meissen crossed swords mark in underglaze blue.
The Meissen factory was the first in Europe to make hard paste porcelain.
Production began in 1710 and the mark of the blue crossed swords was first introduced in 1720 to protect the factory’s production.
It is now one of the oldest trademarks in existence.
Pot pourri, a mixture of dried, naturally fragrant plant material, has been used for centuries to mask unpleasant smells and to help prevent infestations of moths and was common throughout the Georgian period.
The 1763 Burghley Inventory records: ‘The Japan Closet….two urns supported by boys.’ 14cm high.
