Porcelain Serving Dish With Lid By Kpm Berlin, Royal Porcelain Manufactory Of Berlin

Porcelain serving dish with lid, KPM Berlin, Royal Porcelain Manufactory of Berlin (Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin) Early 19th century (ca. 1800–1820) An important white hard-paste porcelain lidded serving dish, produced by the Royal Porcelain Manufactory of Berlin (KPM) in the early decades of the 19th century. The piece is a refined example of Berlin’s neoclassical production, characterized by the absolute purity of the porcelain body and a pursuit of elegance achieved through sculptural relief rather than polychrome decoration. The hemispherical body is shaped with a sequence of broad ridges and delicate ribs that extend radially from the base toward the rim, creating a sophisticated interplay of light and shadow. The rim of the bowl is embellished with a delicate interlaced motif, created using a mold, typical of high-quality productions of the period. The lid is surmounted by an elegant sculptural handle depicting a seated cherub holding a bunch of grapes—a motif of classical origin linked to Bacchic themes, frequently adopted in the decorative arts of the Neoclassical period as a symbol of abundance and prosperity. This exquisite object attests to the exceptionally high technical standard achieved by the Berlin manufactory in the early 19th century, when KPM produced tableware sets for European courts and the Prussian high aristocracy.