Antique Vienna Porcelain Cabinet Plate Bidenschild mark C1880

Royal Vienna is the generic name given to items made in a particular decorative style reminiscent of Renaissance paintings and sculptures. Strong elements of Greek Classicism are almost always present and the colour palette seems to be dominated by soft hues and romantic vibrancy. Gilding and elaborate border designs, and sometimes even Ormolu or Metal Mounts, were frequent decorative details that enhanced the superb painting and colours on Royal Vienna antiques. Almost all Royal Vienna porcelain was meant primarily for display and adoration, with the notable exception of some super-fine chinaware, that most likely is used quite rarely and on very auspicious occasions.
 
Royal Vienna appears mostly in the form of Porcelain such as Portrait plates, Urns &Vases, and elegant Chinaware. Most bear a likeness of what is widely referred to in English-speaking countries as the beehive mark, which is actually an upside-down representation of the original bindenschild or Royal Shield found in the centre of the Royal Crest of the Hapsburg [or Habsburg] Royal Family of 18thC Vienna, Austria.

The Hapsburg Royal Family mentored the Imperial & Royal Porcelain Manufactory in Vienna that lasted between 1718 to 1864. They produced exceptional porcelain second to none and equivalent in quality and artistic craftsmanship to their major contemporary competition such as Meissen and Sevres. Original and authentic Royal Vienna porcelain from the Hapsburg era are now found only in major Museums and very fine private collections. The vast majority of items we now call Royal Vienna were made ca early 19thC onwards by many companies around the world.

The original and authentic Imperial & Royal Vienna "beehive mark" on porcelain is never symmetrical and always underglaze in blue or impressed, with very few exceptions. However, the most common beehive mark used on items in the same style, but made ca 19thC onwards.
 
The vast majority and most desired Royal Vienna porcelain items are those made around 1870s to 1930s. This period witnessed the peak of their production by hundreds of companies & porcelain studios.