540 - Herend Cake Platter and Six Plates, Apponyi Orange Decoration, Chinese Bouquet

Herend Cake Platter and Six Plates, Apponyi Orange Decoration, Chinese Bouquet Porcelain, polychrome painting, gilt, glazed. Cake platter and six plates by the renowned Hungarian manufactory Herend in the popular decoration 'Apponyi Orange', known internationally as 'Chinese Bouquet'. The rims are designed with the moulded basket-weave relief (Ozier) characteristic of Herend, while the well shows in each case the orange floral bouquet 'Fleurs des Indes' around a stylised peony; in addition, delicate floral sprigs are scattered across the rim, framed by fine gilt edges. The undersides bear the Herend manufactory mark. Light traces of use, minimal colour flaws and slight gilt wear, age-appropriate good condition, cake platter 2x36x15 cm, plates D. 19 cm. The 'Apponyi' decoration derives from the floral painting 'Fleurs des Indes' handed down from China, which belonged to the repertoire of European manufactories in the 19th c. Around 1930 Count Albert Apponyi had the multi-part pattern reduced to a central floral motif, which has borne his name ever since; as this was difficult to pronounce in the English-speaking world, the designation 'Chinese Bouquet' became established there. Founded in 1826, the Herend manufactory ranks among the most important houses of hand-painted porcelain and supplied numerous European princely courts in the 19th c. A decorative, usable ensemble for lovers of fine Hungarian table culture.