Royal Bonn Blue & White Painted Charger c.1890

Late 19th c. Royal Bonn Blue & White Painted Charger Made by Royal Bonn, Germany, c.1890 Beautiful portrait of a gentleman. Finely hand painted in blue & white. Diameter: 36 cm / 14 in Fully backstamped, first quality. Stamped Franz Anton Mehlem Very good condition. No chips or cracks. Craquelure commensurate with age Royal Bonn ceramics was begun in 1836 by the 19th Century potter and artist Franz Anton Mehlem. The manufactory produced high quality works of both porcelain and earthenware, which soon became popular among the elite European aristocracy. Royal Bonn used a variety of marks to distinguish the firm’s wares. Among these were a monogram-and-tower on exported pottery, the name 'Bonn', the initials FM and a crown. In 1890 both 'Royal' and '1755' were added to the pottery mark and were used continuously until 1920. In 1921, Royal Bonn was purchased by Villeroy & Bosch, and subsequently closed in 1931.