The courtly society of the 18th century knew full well why it frowned upon real table flowers: It was a tragedy to see how a blossom so beautiful could wither to nothing. That cannot happen with this magnolia. Masterly hands shape each and every leaf, garnish filaments and pistils into one harmonious whole. But only through the accomplished stroke of the porcelain artist’s brush does the spirit of this ten-centimetre long belle shine through.