Flora Danica Porcelain Dinner Service, 141 Pieces

Crafted by the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory, this 141-piece dinner service features one of the most prestigious porcelain patterns ever produced — the coveted Flora Danica pattern. The service for 12 boasts rich, hand-painted botanical motifs taken directly from the plate illustrations of the Danish atlas of the botany of the same name. What sets apart this particular service, however, is the inclusion of 12 rare fruit plates featuring some of Denmark's native fruit species, including pears and green grapes. Each is a unique work of art executed with meticulous skill and artistry.  

A work of scientific examination as well as artistic mastery, the designs are culled from George Christian Oeder's 1771 publication Flora Danica (Flowers of Denmark), an encyclopedia including 3,000 hand-colored copper plate prints depicting every wild plant known to exist in Denmark, including mosses, fungi, ferns and flowers.

The creation of the Flora Danica service was the life's work of Johann Christoph Bayer, one of the most gifted porcelain artists of the late 18th century. Commissioned in 1790 by King Christian VII of Denmark for Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, it took Bayer over 12 years to complete the service. Unfortunately, Catherine died in 1796 before it was complete, and the service was then placed in the collection of the Danish Royal Family. Flora Danica was first used on January 29, 1803, for the banquet celebrating the birthday of King Christian VII. Since that time, this exquisite pattern has remained the centerpiece of ceremonial occasions, weddings and visits by foreign dignitaries. Reputed to be one of the most original and inspired products of the European art industry, Flora Danica is one of the last luxury services still in production.

All pieces display Royal Copenhagen marks

This 141-piece service comprises:
12 10-inch dinner plates
12 8 3/4-inch lunch plates
12 7 3/4-inch round plates
12 5 1/2-inch round plates
12 reticulated fruit plates
12 5 1/2-inch deep plates
12 bouillon cups with underplates
12 9 3/4-inch soup plates
24 chocolate cups with underplates
2 salt cellars
a 9 3/4-inch handled serving dish
an 8 3/4-inch handled serving dish
a salad bowl
a lidded tureen
a 15 3/4-inch oval platter
an 8 3/4-inch reticulated oval platter
2 7 1/4-inch fruit baskets
a 14 1/2-inch serving bowl
an 8 1/4-inch pickle dish
2 6 1/4-inch pickle dishes
a gravy boat
a wine cooler
a teapot
a small sugar bowl
a large sugar bowl
a triangular cake dish
an ice dome and stand