Richard - pre Ginori - Table service (65) - Porcelain

Antique dining service "Società Ceramica Richard Milano", circa 1890 - Pre Ginori.

Authentic Liberty Style - primordial Art Nouveau:
The photographed mark "Societa ceramica Richard" with the Milanese dragon (biscione) was used by the Milanese manufacturer Richard before the merger with the Ginori Doccia Manifattura, which occurred in 1896 (the year in which the Società Ceramica Richard-Ginori officially came into existence).

Based on the marks, the service thus dates to a period of the 19th century roughly between 1873 and 1895 and not beyond due to the subsequent corporate change. The Liberty period is commonly identified between 1890 and 1914, so this is in effect a dining service of the Liberty period, and represents a very pleasing antique piece. The historical and intrinsic value of the service is totally different from a normal porcelain service marked "Richard Gironi" from the post-war years (1950s/60s).

Other marks present: The number 925 handwritten in red indicates the pattern or painter’s code.
The mark impressed in the paste ("in the raw") confirms the porcelain or strong earthenware production of the era.
The asymmetrical floral motif in botanical style is very refined and well executed, the gilded edge is exceptionally well preserved for its age.

The service currently comprises a total of 65 pieces: 7 service plates, three of which are large (soup tureen, vegetable dish, trays) already usable as decorative elements as-is, 36 flat plates, 10 soup bowls, 12 small plates.