KPM Neuosier soup plate from the imperial service of Wilhelm II, dated 1910

This exceptional KPM Neuosier soup plate from the personal service of Emperor Wilhelm II was produced in 1910 by the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin (KPM) and is one of the highly sought-after examples of imperial court culture. Due to their lower production numbers and fewer surviving examples, soup plates are significantly rarer than dinner plates and are particularly prized by collectors.

The plate is decorated in fine iron red and features an elegant Rococo cartouche with the Prussian eagle and the monogram “FR” (Friedrich Rex) beneath the Prussian royal crown. The depiction refers to Frederick the Great and the traditional self-representation of the Prussian monarchy under Wilhelm II.

The decoration is framed by intricately detailed flower bouquets and an artistic golden vine leaf border, which give the plate its representative character. Particularly noteworthy is the owner’s monogram “WR” (Wilhelm Rex), which documents the direct connection to the imperial household.

The reverse side bears the classic marks of KPM Berlin, including the underglaze blue scepter mark and the red imperial orb mark, both with dates.

Dimensions and condition

With a diameter of 23 cm, this soup plate is in very good condition. The combination of imperial provenance, fine porcelain painting, historical symbolism, and excellent preservation makes it an exceptional collector’s item for enthusiasts of KPM Berlin, Imperial-era porcelain, Prussian court culture, and objects from the German imperial house.

The Imperial House’s Neuosier service

The famous Neuosier service was the preferred tableware of the court of Wilhelm II. To ensure uniform furnishings in the royal and imperial palaces, the Oberhofmarschallamt had ordered large quantities of this traditional form from KPM Berlin since the 1890s.

The Neuosier form itself was not an exclusive special commission for the imperial court but was available to the general public. The imperial version was distinguished primarily by its decoration. The well-known Berlin flower bouquets were adapted to the taste of the so-called “Third Rococo”, reduced in color to an elegant iron red, and complemented by the characteristic cartouche with the Prussian eagle.

Interestingly, this decoration also became available for commercial sale, although without the Prussian eagle. Even other European royal houses made use of the popular form. For example, the King of Italy had a similar service made with the Savoy coat of arms.

Neuosier and Imperial-era table culture

In the KPM price lists of 1913, the Neuosier tableware service comprised 55 different individual pieces, in addition to 14 forms for coffee and tea sets. Many models were offered in several sizes, sometimes in up to eight variants.

In addition to plates and platters, the range included bowls, compote bowls, jellied cups, and bouillon cups. The great variety of forms reflects the sophisticated dining and table culture of the Imperial era, in which different dishes were served in vessels specially designed for them.

Original pieces with a personal connection to Emperor Wilhelm II are now considered among the rarest and most sought-after products of KPM Berlin.