.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
In the wake of the successful experiments across Europe to recreate the precious porcelain imported from East Asia, in 1775 the Royal Danish Porcelain Manufactory (later the Royal Copenhagen factory) was founded by the chemist and mineralogist Frantz Heinrich Müller. Supported by Queen Dowager Juliane Marie and her heir presumptive Frederik, Hereditary Prince of Denmark, the factory remained under the direct ownership of the Royal family until 1868, when it passed into private hands.
The celebrated ‘Flora Danica’ pattern was originally intended as a gift from the Danes to Catherine the Great of Russia, but the Empress passed away before the service was finished. Upon its completion in 1802, the Danish royal family decided to keep the service, and it was first used to celebrate the birthday of King Christian VII in 1803. Characterized by finely-painted studies of the indigenous flora and fauna of Denmark, with the Latin titles beautifully inscribed to the obverse, ‘Flora Danica’ is still held in the highest regard and considered amongst the most luxurious of dinnerware available today.
The celebrated ‘Flora Danica’ pattern was originally intended as a gift from the Danes to Catherine the Great of Russia, but the Empress passed away before the service was finished. Upon its completion in 1802, the Danish royal family decided to keep the service, and it was first used to celebrate the birthday of King Christian VII in 1803. Characterized by finely-painted studies of the indigenous flora and fauna of Denmark, with the Latin titles beautifully inscribed to the obverse, ‘Flora Danica’ is still held in the highest regard and considered amongst the most luxurious of dinnerware available today.