Flora Danica Porcelain Dinner Service by Royal Copenhagen, 124 Pieces

A work of scientific examination as well as artistic mastery, the designs are culled from George Christian Oeder’s 1771 publication Flora Danica (Flowers of Denmark), an encyclopedia including 3,000 hand-colored copperplate prints depicting every wild plant known to exist in Denmark, including mosses, fungi, ferns and flowers.

The creation of the Flora Danica service was the life’s work of Johann Christoph Bayer, one of the most gifted porcelain artists of the late 18th century. Commissioned in 1790 by King Christian VII of Denmark for Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, it took Bayer over 12 years to complete the service. Unfortunately, Catherine died in 1796 before it was complete, and the service was then placed in the collection of the Danish Royal Family. Flora Danica was first used on January 29, 1803, for the banquet celebrating the birthday of King Christian VII. Since that time, this exquisite pattern has remained the centerpiece of ceremonial occasions, weddings and visits by foreign dignitaries. Reputed to be one of the most original and inspired products of the European art industry, Flora Danica is one of the last luxury services still in production.

Marked “Royal Copenhagen, Denmark” and stamped with blue waves

This 124-piece service comprises:
12 Entrée Plates
12 Fowl Entrée Plates
12 Bread Plates
12 Soup Plates
12 Salad Plates
12 Coffee Cups
12 Saucers
12 Espresso Cups
12 Saucers
1 Soup Tureen with Lid
1 Underplate
1 Tazza
1 Medium Pickle Dish
1 Small Pickle Dish
1 Sugar Bowl with Lid
2 Medium Handled Vegetable Dishes
1 Large Handled Vegetable Dish
1 Master Salt Cellar
1 Sq. Salad Bowl
1 Gravy Boat
1 Bread Basket
1 Round Platter
1 Small Oval Platter