Description

This small bowl from a "Neuosier" dinner service Berlin for Kaiser Wilhelm II., dated 1909, 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 bouillon cup features a Rococo cartouche executed in iron red with the Prussian eagle and the cipher “FR” – Friedrich Rex under the royal crown. This motif directly references 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 very beautifully detailed handles and plastically modeled flowers and buds, which give the piece exceptional depth and craftsmanship. On the reverse side are the classic KPM marks: the underglaze blue scepter mark and the red imperial orb mark. In addition, the bouillon cup 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 a diameter of 11 cm and a height of 4 cm, and in very good condition, this bowl 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.

“Neuosier” and its History

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

Interestingly, this decoration also entered the market – 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 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 eating culture of the Imperial Era, which knew a great variety of dishes and serving forms.