Description

This exceptionally large "Neuosier" serving platter from an imperial service for Wilhelm II is a true showpiece from the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin (KPM) and is considered the largest platter ever made for this service. Crafted from white glazed porcelain, it presumably dates from around 1900 and is decorated in iron-red – with a magnificent Rococo cartouche, the Prussian eagle under the royal crown, and the cipher "FR" for Friedrich Rex, a direct reference to Frederick the Great.

The decoration is complemented by colorful floral bouquets and a finely crafted golden vine leaf border, which gives the platter a festive and stately appearance. Particularly noteworthy is the owner's monogram "WR" for Wilhelm Rex, which underlines the personal connection to Emperor Wilhelm II. The reverse bears the classic marks of KPM Berlin: the underglaze blue scepter mark and the red imperial orb mark.

Dimensions and Condition

With impressive dimensions of approx. 49 × 38 × 5 cm and in very good condition, this serving platter combines royal provenance, artistic quality, and historical significance – an absolute highlight for collectors of KPM porcelain, Imperial era tableware, and representative objects of German history.

"Neuosier" and its History

"Neuosier" was the standard dinnerware for the court of Wilhelm II. The Emperor introduced a uniform porcelain for all palaces. In the mid-1890s, the Oberhofmarschallamt (Lord Chamberlain's Office) placed a first large order with KPM. However, "Neuosier" was not an exclusive custom-made item for the Emperor: 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 monochromatic iron-red, and supplemented by a cartouche with the Prussian eagle.

It is interesting that this painting 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 sets. Many pieces could be ordered in several sizes – sometimes in up to eight variations. In addition to plates, platters, and bowls, the assortment also included 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.