Porcelain Dish - Bird & Flower Decor - ca. 1880-1920

Exceptional antique porcelain dish in a historicizing Chinese export style, probably made in Europe around 1880-1920.

The dish has a striking asymmetrical, slightly wavy shape and is richly decorated with flowers, leaves and a bird. The central medallion features a finely rendered bird among flowering branches, surrounded by geometric and floral ornaments.

The decoration is executed in cobalt blue, turquoise, green and reddish-brown, with rich gold accents along the contours and edges. The combination of European porcelain with a design inspired by Chinese export porcelain is characteristic of historicizing porcelain production from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

On the underside is a small iron-red painted mark or number, which resembles a stylized “11”. The exact manufacturer or decorator has not yet been identified. A European origin seems likely, but cannot be confirmed without a recognizable factory mark.

Details

• Type: decorative dish
• Period: probably ca. 1880-1920
• Probable origin: Europe
• Style: historicizing Chinese export style
• Material: porcelain
• Decoration: bird, flowers and floral ornaments
• Colors: white, cobalt blue, turquoise, green and reddish-brown
• Finish: richly gilded
• Shape: asymmetrical with wavy edge
• Dimensions: approx. 16 x 14 cm
• Maker's mark: small iron-red mark / number on the underside
• Maker: unidentified
• Condition: good antique condition with slight signs of use and age