Royal Copenhagen, antique hand-painted butterfly plate.

Royal Copenhagen, antique hand-painted butterfly plate. Antique porcelain plate with hand-painted decoration depicting a large colourful butterfly perched on a flowering plant, surrounded by smaller insects and botanical motifs. The scalloped rim is embellished with a delicate pink ornamental border and finished with gilding. A decorative example of early Danish porcelain with a natural history motif. Origin: Denmark. Material: Porcelain. Dimensions: D. 24 cm. Period: Mid 19th century. Condition: Excellent condition with minor signs of wear. Bio: Royal Copenhagen was founded in Copenhagen in 1775 under the name Royal Porcelain Factory. Its early production was distinguished by meticulously hand-painted decoration and a strong influence from European porcelain traditions. Flowers, plants, butterflies and other insects were characteristic natural motifs of the period and demanded considerable technical skill from porcelain painters. Early hand-painted works from the manufactory are highly collectible today and represent an important chapter in the history of Danish porcelain.