Herend - Plate (2) - Porcelain - 2 Herend RothschildPlates

HEREND ROTHSCHILD BIRD RETICULATED PORCELAIN PLATE AND HEREND PORCELAIN HANDLED DINNER PLATE

1.DESCRIPTION OF HEREND ROTHSCHILD BIRD RETICULATED PORCELAIN PLATE

An exceptional example of Herend's celebrated Rothschild Bird pattern, this handpainted porcelain plate demonstrates the extraordinary craftsmanship for which the Hungarian manufactory is renowned worldwide.
The central composition features three naturalistic birds rendered in meticulous detail, each displaying the vibrant hand-painted coloration characteristic of the Rothschild Bird series. The birds—depicted in yellow, brown, and coral-orange tones—are perched upon delicate flowering branches with green foliage. The composition is enhanced by multiple hand-painted butterflies in flight, scattered throughout the design in tones of yellow, blue, and orange, creating a sense of natural movement and vitality.
The border treatment is particularly notable, featuring elaborate reticulated (pierced) lattice work executed in the Rococo manner. This pierced decoration is interspersed with hand-painted floral garlands showcasing multicolored blossoms including pink, blue, orange, and purple flowers with green leaves. Pink scrollwork ornaments enhance the decorative scheme throughout the border. The rim is finished with a delicate gold gilt edge on the scalloped form, adding a final touch of refinement.
PROVENANCE & PATTERN HISTORY
The Rothschild Bird pattern was originally commissioned by the prominent Rothschild banking family and has remained one of Herend's most prestigious and sought-after designs since its introduction. The pattern exemplifies the manufactory's commitment to naturalistic decoration and technical excellence.
MARKS & AUTHENTICATION
Marked: Blue underglaze Herend Hungary mark with crown and shield, inscribed "HANDPAINTED" with pattern reference number visible on reverse.
Number/code “8402-0-50/RO”
CONDITION
Excellent condition
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Pattern: Rothschild Bird (RO)
Manufactory: Herend Porcelain Manufactory, Hungary
Decoration: Hand-painted overglaze enamels with gilt accents
Form: Reticulated border with scalloped edge
Dimensions: Diameter 34cm
NOTES
The reticulated border significantly enhances the value of this piece, as such pierced decoration requires considerable additional hand work during manufacture. Herend pieces featuring the Rothschild Bird pattern with reticulated borders are particularly desirable to collectors.
Herend porcelain continues to be manufactured using traditional hand-painting techniques at the Herend factory in Hungary, maintaining the same standards of excellence established in 1826. Vintage and antique examples, particularly those featuring elaborate decoration and special forms such as this reticulated example, are increasingly sought after in the international market.
This plate would make an exceptional addition to a collection of Continental porcelain or Hungarian decorative arts, and would be equally suitable for display or as part of a formal table setting

2.HEREND PORCELAIN HANDLED DINNER PLATE
Rothschild Bird Pattern (RO)
Hand-Painted Hungarian Porcelain

DESCRIPTION OF HEREND PORCELAIN HANDLED DINNER PLATE
Fine Herend porcelain handled dinner plate decorated in the celebrated Rothschild Bird pattern (RO), one of the manufactory’s most prestigious and sought-after designs. Hand-painted decoration featuring naturalistic avian and botanical motifs with gilt enrichments.
Form: Handled dinner plate / cake plate with pierced handlesPattern Code: 515-0-00/RODiameter: 28 cm (approximately 10-11 inches)Maker: Herend Porcelain Manufactory, HungaryMarks: Blue Herend castle mark, “HANDPAINTED,”pattern number RO, painter’s mark “OL”

DECORATIVE PROGRAM:
The plate presents a masterful example of Herend’s renowned hand-painting technique, featuring a central naturalistic composition of exceptional quality:
Principal Motif: Two songbirds delicately perched on flowering branches—one yellow-breasted specimen and one displaying orange and black plumage—executed with meticulous attention to ornithological detail
Botanical Elements: Pink cherry or plum blossoms with green foliage rendered in naturalistic style
Butterfly Decoration: Six polychrome butterflies scattered across the composition in pink, yellow, blue, and burgundy tones, each individually painted with scientific accuracy
Border Treatment: Raised basket-weave embossed border characteristic of the Rothschild service form
Gilt Work: Ornate pierced handles with elaborate gilt decoration; gilt edge trim to rim in excellent condition
TECHNICAL FEATURES:
Material: Hard-paste porcelain of superior whiteness and translucency
Decoration Technique: Entirely hand-painted overglaze enamels, each piece unique
Surface Quality: High-gloss glaze exhibiting Herend’s characteristic clarity
Form Details: Basket-weave relief molding; pierced scroll handles suitable for presentation service
Functional Design: Suitable for formal dining service or decorative display
MARKS & AUTHENTICATION:
Factory Mark: Blue underglaze Herend castle mark (Fortified Tower)
Designation: “HANDPAINTED” inscription confirming artisan execution
Pattern Code: 515-0-00/RO (Rothschild Bird pattern, handled plate form)
Artist Mark: “OL” painter’s signature, indicating individual artist attribution
Authentication: All marks consistent with authentic Herend production
CONDITION
Excellent. The plate presents in good condition
PATTERN HISTORY & SIGNIFICANCE
The Rothschild Bird Pattern:
The Rothschild Bird (RO) pattern stands as one of Herend’s most iconic and historically significant decorative schemes. Created in the 1860s, the pattern was commissioned by the Baroness Rothschild of Vienna after she admired a similar design on antique Meissen porcelain. The pattern gained imperial endorsement when Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sisi) selected it for the Gödöllő Palace service.
The design draws inspiration from 18th-century Continental porcelain decoration, particularly the naturalistic bird painting tradition of Meissen and Sèvres. Each piece in the Rothschild Bird pattern features different bird species and butterfly compositions, making every item unique while maintaining overall design coherence.
Historical Context:
The Herend Porcelain Manufactory, established in 1826 in Hungary, rose to international prominence following its gold medal at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London. Queen Victoria commissioned a dinner service featuring the“Victoria” butterfly pattern, establishing Herend as a supplier to European royalty and aristocracy. The Rothschild Bird pattern, introduced in the following decade, consolidated this reputation.
Form Significance:
The handled plate form (shape 515) represents a specialized serving piece within the Rothschild service. The pierced handles and decorative treatment elevate this beyond standard dinnerware into the category of formal presentation pieces suitable for cakes, desserts, or hors d’oeuvres in elegant service settings.
COLLECTING IMPORTANCE
This plate represents an excellent acquisition opportunity for collectors of:
Herend Porcelain: The Rothschild Bird pattern remains the manufactory’s signature design and most collected pattern
European Porcelain: Hand-painted Continental porcelain continues strong market performance
Decorative Arts: Suitable for formal entertaining or display in period or contemporary interiors
Pattern Collecting: An ideal starter piece or addition to existing Rothschild Bird service
Market Position:
Herend’s Rothschild Bird pattern maintains consistent demand across both primary and secondary markets. The combination of historical prestige, hand-painted execution, and continuing production (allowing service expansion) makes this pattern particularly desirable to collectors.