Antique Royal Vienna Hand Painted Porcelain Wall Hanging Plate Women & Cherub

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Most people are surprised to learn that "Royal Vienna" isn't the name of a manufacturer. Vienna porcelain is the product … Read more Most people are surprised to learn that "Royal Vienna" isn't the name of a manufacturer. Vienna porcelain is the product of the Vienna Porcelain Manufactory (German: Kaiserlich privilegierte Porcellain Fabrique), a porcelain manufacturer in Alsergrund in Vienna, Austria. It was founded in 1718 and continued until 1864. The porcelain was produced under the mentorship of the Hapsburg Royal Family and is the oldest hard-paste porcelain producer in Europe (after Meissen in Germany). They produced the very finest porcelain, competing with Meissen and Sevres.

The name "Royal Vienna" actually describes a style of porcelain that has a particular decorative style that draws on paintings and sculpture of the Renaissance with strong elements of Greek Classicism. The wares are highly decorated, sometimes with gilding and elaborate border designs and sometimes Ormolu or Metal Mounts to complement the superbly detailed painting done with a highly romantic aesthetic using soft hues.

Most Royal Vienna porcelain was meant for display as art with the most popular pieces being urns and vases and portrait plates. Some super-fine chinaware was produced for use, but this was such high quality it was only used for the most auspicious of occasions.

Original Royal Vienna porcelain from the Habsburg period is usually only found in museums and private collections. After the Vienna Porcelain Manufactory closed in 1864, Royal Vienna porcelain continued to be made during the 19th Century by factories and small studios around the world. The vast majority (and most collectible) Royal Vienna porcelain products are those made from 1870 into the 1930s.

This listing is for a beautiful antique Royal Vienna porcelain wall hanging plate. No back stamp. My research indicates this is a pre-1900s piece. Measures 11.5" in diameter. Hand painted scene of a woman reaching to hug a cherub, with another woman standing behind them holding up a mirror. The drapery folds of their garments are incredibly detailed. The gold design around the scene has raised beaded edging.

No chips, cracks, or evidence of unusual wear. Some wear to the gold accents. Two little holes were molded into the back base at the time of manufacturing, and a wire has been strung through it for hanging. A great addition to any Royal Vienna collection. See less