Description

This round bouillon pot from a "Neuosier" dinner service Berlin for Kaiser Wilhelm II, undated, comes from the traditional Königliche Porzellan‑Manufaktur Berlin (KPM) and is one of the particularly artfully designed pieces of the Imperial Era. Made of white glazed porcelain, the bouillon pot features a Rococo cartouche in iron red with the Prussian eagle and the cipher "FR" – Friedrich Rex under the royal crown. This motif directly refers to Frederick the Great and the Prussian monarchical tradition.

The decor is complemented by colorful floral bouquets, a finely crafted golden grapevine border, as well as beautifully executed handles and plastically modeled flowers and buds, which give the piece an exceptional depth and artisanal sophistication. On the reverse side are the classic KPM marks: the underglaze blue scepter mark and the red imperial orb mark. In addition, the bouillon pot bears the blue cipher "WR" – Wilhelm Rex under the royal crown, an indication of its direct connection to the Prussian court.

Dimensions and Condition

With its dimensions of 20 cm (diameter) × 10 cm (height) and in very good condition – only small, barely visible cracks on the bottom of the bowl – this bouillon pot combines royal provenance, artistic quality, and historical significance. A true highlight for collectors of KPM porcelain, Imperial Era dinnerware, and representative objects of German history.

"Neuosier" and its History

"Neuosier" was the standard dinnerware for the court of Wilhelm II. The Kaiser introduced uniform porcelain for all his castles. In the mid-1890s, the Oberhofmarschallamt (Lord Chamberlain's Office) placed a first large order with KPM. However, "Neuosier" was not an exclusive custom-made product for the Kaiser: the shape was commercially available. The difference lay in the painting. Although the Berlin floral bouquets were adopted, they were modified in the style of the "third Rococo," reduced in color to monochromatic iron red, and supplemented by a cartouche with the Prussian eagle.

Interestingly, this painting also became available commercially – but without the eagle. The King of Italy even had the service produced with the Savoy coat of arms.

"Neuosier" Dinnerware

In the KPM price lists of 1913, "Neuosier" is listed with 55 individual pieces for dinnerware and 14 pieces for coffee and tea ware. Many pieces could be ordered in several sizes – sometimes in up to eight variants. The assortment included not only plates, platters, and bowls, but also jelly cups, bouillon pitchers, and a variety of "compote bowls." The latter, in particular, provide insight into the dining culture of the Imperial Era, which featured a wide variety of dishes and serving forms.