Description

This egg cup from a "Neuosier" Berlin dinner service for Kaiser Wilhelm II, dated 1891, comes from the traditional Königliche Porzellan‑Manufaktur Berlin (KPM) and is one of the most artfully designed pieces of the Imperial era. Made of white glazed porcelain, the bouillontopf 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 vine leaf border, as well as beautifully detailed handles and plastically modeled flowers and buds, which give the piece exceptional depth and artisanal sophistication. On the back are the classic KPM marks: the underglaze blue scepter mark and the red imperial orb mark. In addition, the bouillontopf 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 5.5 cm (diameter) × 6 cm (height) and in very good condition, this egg cup combines royal provenance, artistic quality, and historical significance. A true highlight for collectors of KPM porcelain, Imperial era tableware, and representative objects of German history. The egg cup will be delivered in a high-quality piano lacquer casket, specially made for it.

“Neuosier” and its history

“Neuosier” was the standard tableware of Wilhelm II’s court. The Emperor introduced standardized porcelain for all castles. In the mid-1890s, the Oberhofmarschallamt (Court Marshal’s Office) placed a large initial order with KPM. However, “Neuosier” was not an exclusive custom-made item for the Emperor: 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”, coloristically reduced to monochromatic iron red, and complemented by a cartouche with the Prussian eagle.

Interestingly, this painting also made its way into trade – 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, in addition to plates, platters, and bowls, also jelly cups, bouillon cups, and a variety of “compote bowls”. The latter, in particular, provide insight into the dining culture of the Imperial era, which knew a great variety of dishes and serving forms.