Description

This "Neuosier" dinner plate from an imperial service for Wilhelm II., dated 1909, is a particularly artfully crafted piece from the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin (KPM). The plate is decorated in iron red and features a Rococo cartouche with the Prussian eagle, bearing the cipher "FR" for Friedrich Rex, beneath the royal crown – a direct reference to Frederick the Great and the Prussian monarchy.

The decoration is framed by flower bouquets and a finely crafted golden vine border, which gives the plate an elegant and festive appearance. Particularly noteworthy is the owner's monogram "WR" for Wilhelm Rex, which underscores the personal connection to Kaiser Wilhelm II. The reverse bears the classic marks of KPM Berlin: the underglaze blue sceptre mark and the red orb mark, both with dating.

Dimensions and Condition

With a diameter of 24 cm and in very good condition, this plate is one of the rare and coveted objects from the imperial dinner service. The combination of historical symbolism, high-quality porcelain painting, and royal provenance makes it a true highlight for collectors of Imperial Era porcelain, KPM Berlin, and representative objects of German history.

"Neuosier" and its History

"Neuosier" was the standard dinnerware of Wilhelm II.'s court. The Emperor introduced a uniform porcelain service for all castles. In the mid-1890s, the Oberhofmarschallamt placed a first large order with KPM. However, "Neuosier" was not an exclusive custom order for the Emperor: the form was commercially available. The difference lay in the painting. Although the Berlin flower bouquets were adopted, they were modified in the style of the "third Rococo", colorimetrically reduced to monochrome iron red, and supplemented by a cartouche with the Prussian eagle.

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

"Neuosier" Tableware

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 several sizes – sometimes in up to eight variations. The range 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 great variety of dishes and serving forms.