A RARE Antique Porcelain Plate from the Etruscan Service of the Peterhof Palace period of Tsar Alexander II (1855-1881)

The Etruscan service was first made in 1844 for the Tsarina Pavilion in the Peterhof palace.

The service comprised a set of breakfast and luncheon pieces for 48 persons and tea-coffee part for 24 persons.

Its name derived from the decor of Etruscan pottery. The Etruscans were an ancient Italic culture which flourished in central Italy until the 2nd century BC when it was fully subsumed into Roman culture.

The black-figure technique was developed in about 700 BC. Artisans applied a black slip to depict figures and ornamental motifs against the clay’s natural, reddish-orange background.

This plate depicts a black winged female deity holding a palm leaf.

The Etruscan service is published in DINING WITH THE CZARS, page 100 and RUSSIAN IMPERIAL PORCELAIN (The Hermitage), page 159.

Overall excellent condition. Just some light stacking wear around the center.

Diameter 25 cm (9 3/4 in.)