Moritz Zdekauer Appraisal

Moritz Zdekauer (M.Z.) Austria Hand-Painted Porcelain Leaf Dish

This is a fine antique porcelain nappy or bon-bon dish produced by the Moritz Zdekauer (M.Z.) factory in Altrohlau, Austria. The dish is masterfully shaped into a stylized leaf form with a scalloped, serrated edge and a small, gilded loop handle at the top. It features a delicate hand-painted floral motif consisting of pink and white roses with green foliage, set against a soft cream-colored ground with ethereal blue and lavender cloud-like accents. The rim and handle are accented with gilded highlighting, characteristic of Late Victorian and Art Nouveau porcelain aesthetics. Based on the green 'M.Z. Austria' double-headed eagle backstamp, this piece was manufactured between 1884 and 1909. Physically, the porcelain is thin and translucent, indicating high-quality craftsmanship. The impressed mold number '798' on the reverse further identifies the specific design pattern. Regarding condition, the piece appears to be in very good antique state with minor shelf wear to the base; the gilding on the handle and rim shows light thinning consistent with age, but there are no immediately visible cracks, chips, or significant restoration. This item reflects the refined European porcelain production typical of the Austro-Hungarian era.