Retrogravure Bowl Appraisal

Retrogravure Porcelain Basket Bowl with Floral Motif

This is a small, ornate porcelain basket bowl, likely intended as a decorative accent or perhaps for serving small confections. The primary characteristic is its intricate reticulated or 'pierced' design, forming a lattice-like pattern around the sides. The porcelain appears to be fine quality, with a smooth, glazed finish. The dominant colors in the lattice work are white and a delicate pinkish-lavender, with some sections also showing green floral or leaf patterns. The rim of the bowl, bordering the openwork, is adorned with a thin band of gilt (gold) decoration, indicating a touch of luxury. The base of the bowl features a hand-painted floral motif, with prominent colors including a vibrant orange blossom, a multi-hued pink and green flower, and hints of blue and yellow, all surrounded by green foliage. The painting style suggests a traditional European aesthetic, possibly Meissen-inspired or similar Dresden-style porcelain, though without a visible maker's mark, this is speculative. The overall shape is round with slightly flaring sides. The craftsmanship appears to be quite high, given the complexity of the reticulated work and the detailed hand-painting. There are no obvious signs of significant damage such as chips, cracks, or repairs visible from this angle, and the gilt edge seems intact, suggesting good preservation or careful handling. The item likely dates from the late 19th to mid-20th century, a period known for such decorative porcelain pieces. Its small size, delicate nature, and decorative features indicate it was designed for aesthetic appeal rather than heavy utility.