Royal Copenhagen ichthyological porcelain part dinner service

Made by the Royal Copenhagen porcelain manufactory, these exquisite porcelain pieces form a part dinner service with an ichthyological theme. A specialism of Danish porcelain, sets such as these represent the skill and delightful artistry of Copenhagen makers, and are highly prized and sought after to this day.

Comprising thirteen pieces, the service includes one circular tureen with cover and fish handle, one gravy boat, a single large oval-shaped serving dish, and a set of ten dinner plates. Each piece is decorated with a unique depiction of a fish, on a white background, surrounded by small reeds and stems of underwater flowers and blossoms, and set within beautiful, scaled, fish-shaped borders, with gilding to the exterior.

The borders are applied in relief, with wonderfully executed sections of scaling, with gilt embellishments to the gills, tails, and fins. The tureen cover includes a delightful fish-shaped handle, and the pieces include painted inscriptions to the reverse with the maker's stamp, inventory numbers, and labels of the various fish species depicted. Sets such as these have proved highly popular in recent years, as this listing at Sotheby's, similarly decorated though in the 'Flora Danica' style, demonstrates.

A wonderful set, the service offers both a practical function in exquisite antique style, as well as a delightful set of decorative works of art - a beautiful home addition from every angle.

Plates: height 2cm, diameter 24cm
Large serving dish: height 5cm, width 60cm, depth 24cm