Description

This round bowl from a Neuosier dinner service Berlin for Kaiser Wilhelm II., dated 1902, 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 bowl 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 and an intricately crafted golden vine leaf border, giving the piece a festive and stately appearance. On the reverse side are the classic KPM marks: the underglaze blue scepter mark and the red imperial orb mark. Particularly noteworthy is the owner's monogram “WR” for Wilhelm Rex, which emphasizes the personal connection to Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Measurements and Condition

With its dimensions of 23.5 cm (diameter) × 6 cm (height) and in very good condition, this bowl combines royal provenance, artistic craftsmanship, and historical significance. A true highlight for collectors of KPM porcelain, Imperial era tableware, and representative objects of German history.

“Neuosier” and its History

“Neuosier” was the standard dinner service of Wilhelm II’s court. The Kaiser introduced a uniform porcelain for all palaces. In the mid-1890s, the Oberhofmarschallamt placed a first large order with KPM. However, “Neuosier” was not an exclusive special commission for the Kaiser: the form 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,” coloristically reduced to monochrome iron-red, and complemented by a cartouche with the Prussian eagle.

It is interesting that this painting also entered the market – albeit without the eagle. The King of Italy even had the service produced with the Savoy coat of arms.

“Neuosier” Dinner Service

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