Flora Danica Porcelain Dinner Service by Royal Copenhagen, 119 Pieces

Flora Danica Porcelain Dinner Service for 12
Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory

Crafted by the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory, this 119-piece dinner service features one of the most prestigious porcelain patterns ever produced—the coveted Flora Danica pattern. The complete service for 12 features rich, hand-painted botanical motifs taken directly from the plate illustrations of the Danish atlas of the botany of the same name. This service also includes items decorated with fruits and fauna, including the rare fish and lobster patterns. Each is a unique work of art executed with meticulous skill and artistry.

This set is particularly remarkable, including rare forms such as triangular custard cups with saucers and a chocolate pot with a lid. To find such a complete service with these unique items is nothing short of extraordinary.

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 copperplate 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.

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

This 119-piece service comprises:
12 “Fish” entrée plates
12 soup plates
12 salad plates
12 lunch plates
12 dinner plates
12 "Fruit" lunch plates
12 chocolate cups with saucers
12 triangular custard cups with lids and saucers
1 soup tureen with lid
1 underplate
1 large handled vegetable dish
2 medium handled vegetable dishes
1 medium pickle dish
1 small pickle dish
1 gravy boat
1 breadbasket
2 wine coolers
1 large sugar bowl with lid
1 small sugar bowl with lid
1 chocolate pot with lid
1 triangular raised cake plate
1 round salad bowl
1 square serving plate
1 medium oval tray
1 large oval tray
1 round tray
1 master salt cellar
2 egg cups