Herend "Rothschild Bird" Soup Tureen W/ Lemon Finial, #1003

Make:  Herend Porcelain Manufactory (Hungary)

Model: "Rothschild Bird" W/ Lemon Finial, #1003

Age: Late 20th Century

Construction:  Porcelain

Dimensions:  10 1/2" Tall x 14 1/12" Long x 10" Wide

Condition:  Excellent pre-owned condition. No chips, cracks, crazing, or signs of use. Please see photos. 

Details:  Large white porcelain oval soup tureen with handles and lid.  Decorated in Herend's "Rothschild Bird" pattern with butterflies and other insects as well as vignettes of birds among branches.  Side handles are formed in the shape of braided asparagus spears, with hand-formed pink and yellow roses applied to the body of the tureen at the termini of the handles.  The lid bears a scene with birds on one side, with a looped yellow ribbon decoration on the other side.  The finial handle or knob at the top of the lid is half a lemon with a delicate stem.  A further slice of lemon is painted on the lid below the handle.  A fine gold band further adorns the top edge of the tureen and the bottom edge of the lid.  There is also a fine gold band on the foot.  The tureen is marked with Herend's traditional blue mark, with the number 1003 beneath.

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.