These are vintage porcelain shell-shaped relish or side dishes, likely in the style of or manufactured by premium brands such as Herend or Meissen.
Function and Design
Historical Purpose: Historically, these leaf- and shell-shaped dishes were part of formal dessert or dinner services. They were typically used for serving small food items like sweetmeats, nuts, olives, berries, relishes, or individual butter portions.
Decorative Style: The hand-painted motif features detailed ornithological illustrations (birds perched on branches) alongside scattered butterflies and insects. This design is heavily reminiscent of the famous Herend Rothschild Bird pattern, a timeless classic first introduced in the 19th century.
Visual Identifiers: They showcase scalloped, gilded rims with an integrated porcelain scroll handle shaped like an organic stem or shell fragment, helping diners pass them around the table.
European manufacturers like Meissen in Germany and French makers pioneered this naturalistic style during the 18th and 19th centuries, heavily influencing other prestigious brands like Herend, which popularized the similar "Rothschild Bird" pattern.
Border Treatment: Features a distinct relief pattern molded directly into the porcelain paste around the edges, complete with a gilded, scalloped rim finish.
The dishes measure approx. 15cm long x 12.5cm wide x 2cm high.
Two of the dishes are in perfect condition, one has a small repair, please see pictures.
Please feel free to ask any questions.
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I sell vintage items and accurately describe the cosmetic condition,
please use this information in conjunction with the photos to satisfy yourself of the condition of this item. If the item is required to work in any way I will give a separate description of the performance in this area to the best of my ability.
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OWD3