Rare Royal Porcelain Oyster Plate — Wedding Service, Le Rosey Paris 1901

Details

Description

Bourbon Dynasty | Diplomat's Estate | She Died Three Years Later

Overview
Exceptionally rare Spanish royal porcelain oyster plate commissioned … Read more Bourbon Dynasty | Diplomat's Estate | She Died Three Years Later

Overview
Exceptionally rare Spanish royal porcelain oyster plate commissioned circa 1901 for the marriage of Infante Carlos of Bourbon–Two Sicilies and Infanta María de las Mercedes, Princess of Asturias. Hand-decorated in Paris and retailed by Le Rosey, 11 rue de la Paix—supplier to European royalty and the most exclusive luxury house of Belle Époque Paris.
Recently acquired from an East Hampton, NY estate—former home of an aged diplomat.
Dimensions: 9.5" diameter × 1" height
Le Rosey – Purveyor to Royalty
Le Rosey occupied the most prestigious address in Paris luxury trade: 11 rue de la Paix, steps from Place Vendôme. During the Belle Époque, Le Rosey served as the exclusive retailer for royal households across Europe, commissioning bespoke services from the finest French porcelain manufactories including Limoges and Sèvres. Their mark on a piece guarantees both provenance and the highest standard of craftsmanship. Le Rosey pieces rarely survive outside palace collections, making this plate extraordinarily significant.

Description
Center features the joint royal monogram "C y M" beneath a fully arched Spanish crown, hand-painted in cobalt with rich red, gold, and pearl enamel. The lowercase "y" (Spanish "and") is the traditional dynastic cypher format. Six scalloped oyster wells surround the monogram, edges finished in hand-applied gilt.
Le Rosey retailer mark on underside confirms luxury commission for Spanish royal household.

Historical Importance
The 1901 marriage united the Bourbon-Two Sicilies line with Spain's heir apparent. Princess Mercedes died tragically in 1904 at age 24—just three years into the marriage—making artifacts from her brief tenure as Princess of Asturias exceptionally rare. This plate survives as a poignant memorial to a royal union cut short, carrying both their initials beneath the Spanish crown.

Condition & Authenticity
Excellent. Minor age to gilding consistent with original royal use. No chips, cracks, or repairs. Hand-painted enamel and cobalt detailing remain vivid.
Guaranteed authentic. Museum-grade artifact of European royal dining culture. See less