Helena Wolfsohn Porcelain Bowls/plates, Dresden, C. 1886.

An antique pair of hand-painted porcelain bowls/plates by Helena Wolfsohn, created in Dresden, Germany, at the end of the 19th century. The first Dresden bowl/plate has a scalloped, gold-trimmed edge and vibrant hand-painted flowers in pinks, purples, and yellows. The second features a pierced, gold-accented rim and a central floral design with roses and tulips, plus tiny painted insects for added detail. Both pieces showcase Dresden's signature delicate craftsmanship and colorful floral motifs. The bases bear marks that Wolfsohn used at the time; on the smaller plate, there is a second decorator's mark, added to cover the original manufacturer's mark, as Wolfsohn did not produce her own porcelain and instead bought unpainted molds from well-known companies in Germany and Austria.
Helena Wolfsohn operated a porcelain decorating studio in Dresden from 1843. The studio primarily purchased undecorated porcelain blanks from various manufacturers, including Meissen. Later, the factory became known for its high-quality Rococo-style porcelain painting, earning several awards, including third prize at the 1880 Melbourne International Exhibition. Despite its relatively short period of operation, the Helena Wolfsohn factory produced some of the finest decorative porcelain of the era, making pieces like these plates/bowls exceptionally rare and highly collectible.
The Helena Wolfsohn manufactory was one of the best followers and preservers of the Meissen porcelain tradition. The works are of such high quality that it is often difficult to distinguish between Meissen porcelain and pieces from this factory. Wolfsohn is also well-known as one of the founders of the Dresden porcelain style, along with masters such as Richard Klemm, Karl Thiem, Ambrosius Lamm, and Donath & Co.
The Dresden style was a blend of German and Viennese flower and figure painting. Beautiful Dresden porcelain adorns many museums and private collections worldwide. In summary, these Dresden plates/bowls showcase detailed floral motifs, refined gold gilding, and elegant Rococo elements, making them exceptional examples of late 19th-century porcelain artistry.
Large plate/bowl: height 6 cm, width 19 cm, depth 18 cm, the bottom is not glazed, weight 330 grams.
Condition: excellent condition, a little bit of gilding has come off.
Small plate/bowl: height 3 cm, diameter 15.4 cm, weight 164 grams.
Condition: excellent, only a little loss of gilding
Please examine the accompanying photographs carefully, as they are an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Note that shipping costs include labor, packaging, and postage.