Meissen Blue Onion Porcelain Soup Bowls, Set of Two, Germany, Early 20th Century

A beautiful pair of antique Meissen porcelain soup bowls in the iconic Blue Onion pattern, also known as Zwiebelmuster, made in Germany during the early twentieth century. Each bowl is decorated in classic cobalt blue over a crisp white porcelain ground, with the celebrated arrangement of stylized flowers, scrolling foliage, fruit-like forms, and ornamental borders that has made the Blue Onion design one of the most enduring patterns in European porcelain.

The bowls have a generous shallow form, ideal for soup, pasta, composed dishes, fruit, or elegant table service, while their refined molded edges and luminous porcelain body give them strong decorative presence. The design reflects Meissen’s historic interpretation of East Asian porcelain motifs, filtered through the European Chinoiserie tradition and perfected in the language of German porcelain. The result is a pattern that feels both formal and domestic, highly recognizable yet timeless.

These pieces are porcelain, not ironstone or earthenware, and the decoration is best understood as cobalt blue underglaze rather than English transferware. The crisp blue ornament, white body, and balanced shallow form make the pair especially attractive for collectors of Meissen, Blue Onion tableware, German porcelain, and classic blue-and-white ceramics. They display beautifully in a cabinet, on open shelving, as part of a wall arrangement, or layered into a traditional dining table.

Presented in antique condition consistent with age and use, with light wear appropriate to early twentieth-century porcelain. A handsome and collectible pair of Meissen Blue Onion soup bowls with historic character, refined German craftsmanship, and enduring decorative appeal.

Details

• 1stDibs reference: LU10969250613802
• Period: Early 20th Century
• Date: 1910
• Origin: Germany
• Materials: Porcelain
• Techniques: Molded
• Style: Chinoiserie
• Dimensions: H 1.5 × W 10 × D 10 IN
• Condition: GOOD