Nymphenburg "Rococo Cumberland Collection" soup plate, 24K gold rim (Germany)

Designed by Joseph Zaechenberger, 1765

The service Rococo was the first “Electoral court service” created by the Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg and is still regarded as one of the most revolutionary service designs of the 18^th century. Dating from Franz Anton Bustelli’s period of creativity, the service is adorned with rocaille reliefs, ornately shaped handles and grips, as well as true-to-life knobs modelled in the shape of a lemon, fig, or artichoke. Joseph Zachenberger designed the Cumberland decoration for the rococo shape in 1765, a festive painted decoration with flower bouquets, individual blooms, butterflies, and insects, surrounded by a fine gold lace edging. Cumberland is the world’s most elaborate floral decoration that is still used on porcelain today. In the early 20^th century, the service Rococo was reissued as a fish dish service. Painted in brilliant shades of red with naturalistic depictions of marine creatures and shells and complemented by a perfectly formed lobster as the handle for the tureen lid, it is known as the Mare Nostrum decoration.