Magnificent fine porcelain dinner service and/or decorative display ensemble, produced by the prestigious Rigo & Cia firm in Venice during the late 19th or early 20th century. This remarkable set stands out for its sumptuous Neoclassical and Romantic decoration, executed with a level of craftsmanship evocative of the great European manufactories such as Sèvres or Capodimonte.
Among its most distinguished artistic and technical features is the central decoration, composed of exquisite gallant scenes inspired by the work of Angelica Kauffman, depicting muses, mythological figures, and bucolic scenes set within richly colored landscapes. The service is enhanced by luxurious finishes, including deep burgundy/red borders lavishly adorned with raised gilt decoration in intricate floral and geometric filigree.
Each piece bears the authentic maker’s mark on the underside: “Rigo & Cia – Venezia,” a guarantee of Italian luxury craftsmanship of the period. Furthermore, every element constitutes an individual painted work of art, with numerous scenes signed by artists, attesting to their hand-executed nature and authorship value.
The condition is of true display or museum quality. Particularly noteworthy is the preservation of the original raised gilt filigree, something extraordinarily rare to find on pieces more than a century old, showing only minimal wear and no loss of polychromy.
Composition of the service (for four diners):
The lot includes a complete selection intended for formal dining and presentation.
Central piece:
• Monumental ornamental urn/vase of large proportions, with gilt Empire-style handles, serving as the masterpiece of the ensemble.
Soup service:
• Large tureen with lid and gilt finials.
• Medium-sized covered vegetable tureen.
Table service:
• 4 dinner plates.
• 4 soup plates.
• 4 dessert/appetizer plates.
Serving accessories:
• 1 gravy boat with integrated stand and original matching porcelain spoon.
• 1 elevated fruit bowl or compote.
• 3 serving platters (oval and circular, in varying sizes).
• 1 large round serving platter.
• 1 fluted platter for dessert presentation.
• 2 porcelain knife rests...
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Hand-Painted Tableware