Two Danish porcelain ‘Flora Danica’ compotes by Royal Copenhagen

Two Danish porcelain ‘Flora Danica’ compotes by Royal Copenhagen
Danish, 20th Century
Height 14cm, diameter 20cm
 
These exceptional compotes form part of the celebrated Flora Danica porcelain service, produced by Denmark’s Royal Copenhagen manufactory. Beyond their artistic brilliance, this service was originally conceived as a diplomatic gesture. During the 1788–89 conflict between Russia and Sweden, Denmark—though allied with Russia—did not provide crucial military support. In an effort to mend relations, King Christian VII commissioned a special dinner service in 1790, inspired by the Flora Danica volumes, first published in 1752, which recorded the kingdom’s entire botanical heritage.
 
The compotes themselves are exquisitely hand-painted with captivating botanical illustrations. Gilded rims and edges, some raised, introduce texture and visual variety, while the interiors of the bowls are the most richly decorated. The exteriors, however, are not neglected, featuring individual illustrations executed with meticulous attention to detail.
 
Each piece is marked on the reverse with two Royal Copenhagen stamps, shape numbers, and the Latin names of the plants depicted: Atropa belladonna L (deadly nightshade) and Vaccinium uliginosum var. macrocarpa Drej (bog blueberry).
 
With their outstanding craftsmanship and detailed botanical motifs, these compotes are a highly desirable addition to any fine porcelain collection or elegant home display.
 
Artist/Maker: Royal Copenhagen (Danish, founded 1775)