Herend Hand-Painted Porcelain Double Salt Dish with Birds and Insects

Details

Description

Two scalloped circular wells join seamlessly beneath a central arched loop handle to create this traditional porcelain condiment dish. Each … Read more Two scalloped circular wells join seamlessly beneath a central arched loop handle to create this traditional porcelain condiment dish. Each compartment is shaped with gently undulating, petal-like lobes around the rim. The pristine white glazed ground provides a clean background for rich surface decoration, bordered with hand-painted gold lining along the edges and a solid gilt stroke accentuating the curve of the raised handle. The interior of each well displays an intricate hand-painted tableau of songbirds perched amid leafy branches, flanked by various scattered butterflies, moths, and crawling insects. Rendered in vivid overglaze enamels of cobalt blue, yellow, terracotta, and soft greens, the composition reflects the famous rothschild bird pattern, celebrated for its detailed natural history scenes and delicate brushwork. Intended originally for serving coarse salt and cracked pepper or spices at formal table settings, the double-well format remains both decorative and practical. The server measures 5 cm in height, 15 cm in width, and 7 cm in depth, resting securely on dual circular foot rims that keep the piece steady. The central handle is comfortably proportioned, allowing the dish to be lifted and passed with ease. The underside of one bowl bears the blue factory backstamp depicting the hungarian shield above crossed paintbrushes with 'herend hungary' and 'handpainted', alongside the painted reference number '153 / rom'. Made in hungary, this vintage porcelain table accessory dates probably to the mid or late 20th century, representing the storied workshop's fine hand-enamelled tableware tradition. See less