Herend "Rothschild Bird" 7-Piece Hors d'Oeuvres Set

Make:  Herend Porcelain Manufactory (Hungary)

Model: Rothschild Bird

Age:  Late 20th Century

Construction:  Porcelain

Dimensions:  2" Tall x 14 1/2" Diameter

Condition:  Excellent pre-owned condition. No flaws. Please see photos. 

Details:  An entertaining must for any festive table, the 7-piece hors d'oeuvres set is made of white porcelain.  The set comprises a flat, round plate with a slightly flared lip, five arc-shaped sectional dishes and a small round bowl with a flat lip.  Each piece is painted with a pair of birds perched on twigs, a pearl necklace draped among the branches.  Butterflies and other insects are scattered over all the pieces.  A narrow gold band adorns the rim of each piece.  All the pieces fit together, and may be used as a relish tray, or they may be used individually.  Each piece is marked on bottom with Herend's blue mark, and hand-numbered.

There is a legend that a Rothschild Baroness lost her necklace, and believed it was stolen.  Later, walking in her garden, she saw songbirds in a tree, and, hanging near them, her necklace.  The owner of Herend heard this legend and, inspired by it, designed this pattern in its memory.  The Rothschild family were delighted with the pattern, and ordered the collection in 1850.  It was named "Rothschild Bird" (RO) in their honor.