Flora Danica Porcelain Dinner Service, 153 Pieces

One of the most important sets that has come to market, this service for 12 is exceptionally special. Crafted by the revered Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory, this 153-piece complete dinner service is in one of the most prestigious porcelain patterns ever produced: the coveted Flora Danica pattern including the rare and desirable fish and fruit service. The oversize 11 ¾” dinner plates are monumental in size, and all of the serving plates are reticulated. Reticulated, or pierced, plates cost roughly 35% more per plate than regular and are quite rare. The twelve reticulated fruit plates included in this service are particularly remarkable. 

The collection also includes the ice dome, the most coveted object of all of Flora Danica porcelain. Ice domes, both extravagantly intricate and exceptionally costly, typically required a three-year waiting period once ordered. The set also comes with a selection of very large serving platters, tureens and other rare serving dishes. This Flora Danica set is the ultimate service for 12 and among the finest ever crafted by Royal Copenhagen. 

The set’s aquatic and tropical motifs are almost never seen in even the finest services from the famed firm. The floral motifs 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. A feat of scientific discovery and artistic mastery, Royal Copenhagen's creations are most frequently seen with handpainted botanical motifs. 

The original 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. 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, made only to order.

Marked "Royal Copenhagen, Denmark" and stamped with blue waves

This 153-piece service includes:
12 11 3/4" reticulated plate
12 9 3/4" reticulated plate
12 9" reticulated plate
12 8 3/4" bowl
12 bread and butter plate
12 double-handed cream soup bowl
12 underplate for cream soup bowl
12 twig coffee cup
12 underplate for twig coffee cup
12 fish plate
12 reticulated fruit plates
2 candlestick holders
2 8 1/4" pickle dish
2 salt cellar
1 triangular cake plate / tray
1 large soup tureen
1 large soup tureen stand
1 gravy boat with stand
1 round covered vegetable bowl
1 round serving bowl
1 17 1/2" oval platter
1 15 3/4" oval platter
1 9 3/4" oval platter
1 8 3/4" handle dish
1 ice dome
1 ice dome plate
1 fruit basket
1 fruit basket underplate
1 fish drainer