Royal Munich Serving Bowl Bavaria

This is a beautiful piece and will make a great addition to any home or office.

The talent that goes into a Royal Munich design always catches the eye.

It certainly caught my attention when I found it!

Item Overview

This is a hand-painted porcelain serving bowl marked "Royal Munich" and produced by Z.S. & Co. (Zeh, Scherzer & Co.), a respected Bavarian porcelain manufacturer active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The bowl features:

• Scalloped edge
• Pastoral scene with a woman, cottage, dog, and landscape
• Soft color palette and delicate brushwork
• Likely signature near the tree (common for artist-signed Z.S. & Co. pieces)

Manufacturer Background

• Zeh, Scherzer & Co. operated in Rehau, Bavaria beginning in 1880.
• The "Royal Munich" backstamp was used primarily between 1880 and 1918, particularly for export to English-speaking countries.
• Their fine porcelain was typically hand-painted by in-house or contracted artists, often signed discreetly in the design.

Markings

• "Royal Munich" blue stamp with crowned helmet crest — confirms authenticity and period.
• "Z.S. & Co. Bavaria" — identifying the maker.
• Additional numbers (possibly pattern or decorator reference).
• Possible faint artist signature near the tree — visible in close-up.

These marks are consistent with verified Z.S. & Co. examples from the turn of the 20th century.

Condition

• Excellent: No chips, cracks, or crazing observed.
• Glossy, well-preserved surface with no paint loss.
• Signature, if authenticated, would add to collectible value.

Dimensions & Features

• Diameter: 10.25"
• Depth: ~3"
• Weight: Approximately 3–4 lbs
• Style: Rococo Revival / Art Nouveau influence

Comparable Market Values

Item Type

Price Range (USD)

Unsigned Royal Munich bowl

$35 – $75

Artist-signed bowl (Z.S. & Co.)

$75 – $150

Large centerpiece bowls with strong hand-painting

$150 – $225+

Your piece, with its pastoral hand-painted scene, excellent condition, and likely artist signature, places it in the higher end of that range.

Estimated Value

💰 $100 – $150 USD

This estimate reflects the current secondary market value for early 20th-century signed Royal Munich decorative porcelain.

Recommendations

• Authentication: If selling or insuring, consider a professional appraiser or certified antiques dealer who specializes in Bavarian or European porcelain.
• Display Advice: Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, and if storing, wrap in acid-free tissue to protect the glaze and painted surface.

Conclusion

This is a beautiful and collectible Bavarian serving bowl from a respected porcelain house. The pastoral scene and probable artist signature make it desirable to collectors of German or hand-painted porcelain. Given your purchase price of $4, this piece represents excellent potential value, both aesthetically and financially.