Object Description
Two ‘Flora Danica’ Danish porcelain tureens with stands by Royal Copenhagen
Danish, 20th Century
Height 27cm, diameter 33cm
These exceptional tureens are part of the famed Flora Danica porcelain service, crafted by Denmark’s Royal Copenhagen manufactory. Originating in the late 18th century, this celebrated service represents both artistic mastery and a diplomatic gesture. During the 1788–89 conflict between Russia and Sweden, Denmark – aligned with Russia – remained inactive. To repair relations, King Christian VII commissioned a bespoke dinner service in 1790, inspired by the Flora Danica publications that had documented the kingdom’s plant life since 1752. Tragically, Empress Catherine II of Russia passed away in 1796, six years before the service was completed in 1802.
Each piece is meticulously hand-painted with botanical illustrations from the Flora Danica encyclopedia and bears the Latin name of the depicted plant on the reverse. Today, the service remains highly sought after, with new pieces produced only in limited editions.
The two tureens on offer are particularly striking. Their pristine white porcelain bodies are adorned with hand-painted floral designs, set within elegant rectangular panels highlighted by gilded accents. A partially raised, high-relief border frames the rims, while the covers mirror this decoration, featuring lifelike plant illustrations. Three-dimensional handles, sculpted to resemble flowering branches, bring the botanical motifs vividly to life. The lids also include a cutout to accommodate the ladle.
Each tureen sits upon a circular stand, its raised centre lifting the dish while the surrounding indentations serve a practical purpose by catching any spilled soup. The stands’ design complements the tureens, creating a harmonious presentation.
On the reverse of each lid, the pieces are marked with dual Royal Copenhagen stamps, shape numbers, and the Latin names of the plants depicted: Tormentilla reptans L (creeping cinquefoil), Campanula rotundifolia L (harebell), Centaurea cyanus L (cornflower), Astragalus glycyphyllis L (wild liquorice), Galeopsis galeobdolon L (yellow archangel), and Myosotis palustris L (water forget-me-not).
Combining superb craftsmanship with a rich display of botanical species, these two tureens are a remarkable and desirable addition for any fine porcelain collection.