A Flora Danica oval soup tureen with lid and matching underplate. Flora Danica is regarded as one of the most prestigious and stunning patterns ever created. From the delicate, lace-like carvings to the rich, hand-painted botanical motifs, this piece reflects the meticulous and refined artistic skill necessary to produce such an exemplary dinner service. Extra details such as the handles made to resemble branches and the gilt serrated rim of the plate make this is truly rare and important piece. The designs are based on George Christian Oeder's 1771 publication Flora Danica, an encyclopedia including 3,000 hand-colored copper plate prints depicting every wild plant known to exist in Denmark including mosses, fungi