DECORATIVE PLATE “OTHELLO AND DESDEMONA” BERLINER PORZELLAN-MANUFAKTUR (KPM) BERLIN, GERMANY, LATE 19TH CENTURY

An elegant museum-quality porcelain cabinet plate produced by the Royal Berlin Porcelain Manufactory (KPM). At its centre is a finely painted scene inspired by William Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello, depicting a dramatic encounter between Othello and Desdemona within a palace interior. The multi-figure composition demonstrates the refined academic painting techniques that distinguished the finest productions of Berlin porcelain during the second half of the nineteenth century.

The broad border is richly ornamented in the Historicist taste, incorporating Renaissance-inspired grotesque motifs. Gilt reserves alternate with polychrome panels filled with fanciful scrolling foliage, fruit, and stylised decorative elements. The central scene is enclosed within an elaborately gilded geometric frame that enhances the theatrical character of the composition. The exceptional quality of the gilding, the delicacy of the hand-painted decoration, and the sophistication of the ornamental programme identify the plate as a prestigious KPM Berlin production intended for discerning collectors and grand interiors.

Marks: Underglaze blue sceptre mark of the Royal Berlin Porcelain Manufactory (KPM Berlin); gilt inscription to the reverse reading “Othello et Desdemona”; signed by the artist “Prof. Zechner.”

Dimensions: Diameter: 24 cm.

Material: Porcelain, polychrome overglaze painting, gilding.

Condition: Good. Minor signs of age and use to the foot rim. The gilding and painted decoration remain well preserved.