Porcelaine de Paris, Manufacture Neppel – Set of 9 floral plates, early 19th century

A rare and exceptionally charming set of nine hand-painted Paris porcelain plates, each featuring a distinct botanical motif. The plates are individually identified with the flower’s name on the reverse, The borders are decorated with a burgundy background enhanced by a gilt rim, characteristic of Empire-period Paris porcelain. Several plates are signed “Neppel à Paris,” confirming their attribution to Pierre Neppel, one of the most esteemed private porcelain manufacturers in early 19th-century Paris.

Produced in hard-paste porcelain at the celebrated rue de Crussol factory, originally the Manufacture du Prince de Galles, founded by Christopher Potter and acquired by Neppel around 1800, this set exemplifies the highest quality Old Paris porcelain. Neppel’s factory was recognized for its technical innovation, including the early use of transfer-printing, and achieved honourable mention at the 1806 Exposition des produits de l’industrie.

In 1818, Neppel sold the highly successful Paris manufactory to Auguste Dominique Denuelle and Benjamin Cadet de Vaux, relocating his operations to Nevers. As a result, Paris-period services signed or attributed to Neppel are extremely rare, particularly complete sets of multiple, individually hand-painted plates in excellent condition.

This set of nine plates represents both the artistic elegance of Napoleonic France and the technical mastery of Empire-period Paris porcelain, making it a remarkable acquisition for collectors of fine European ceramics.