The Piece
An elegant German porcelain dinner service by P.A. Arzberg Bavaria, produced between 1930 and 1950. The set features crisp white porcelain with a fine navy-blue chain link border and hand-applied gold trim—a design that captures the understated luxury of pre- and postwar European tableware. Arzberg’s craftsmanship, renowned for its balance of form and function, shines through in every piece—from the lightness of the porcelain to the perfect curvature of the cups and handles.
Design & Construction
→ Form & Style: Classic neoclassical silhouettes with thin-walled porcelain bodies, scalloped handles, and gently flared rims. The repeating navy chain motif lends structure, while the gold banding adds refined contrast.
→ Material: Fine hard-paste porcelain with underglaze transfer pattern and overglaze gilt detailing.
→ Mark: Crowned “PA” monogram and shield with “Arzberg Bavaria,” used by Porzellanfabrik Arzberg (P.A.) between the 1920s and 1950s, confirming authenticity and regional origin.
→ Color Palette: Pure white porcelain, deep blue pattern band, 22k gold edge trim.
Set Composition (approx.)
→ 12 dinner plates
→ 8 small bowls
→ 8 saucers
→ 1 covered sugar bowl with lid (double-handled)
(Add exact counts upon inventory confirmation.)
Dating & Provenance
The hallmark seen on the reverse—a crowned PA shield with “Arzberg Bavaria”—dates this set to the mid-century period (1930–1950). Arzberg, founded in 1887 in Bavaria, was known for its high-quality export porcelain and collaborations with German design houses during the interwar and postwar years. The clean geometry of the pattern and restrained gilding place it firmly in the transitional aesthetic between Art Deco and early modern table design.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition with minimal wear to gilt edges. No chips, cracks, or crazing beyond typical signs of gentle age. Glossy glaze remains bright and uniform.
Product Details
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Maker | P.A. Arzberg Porcelain Factory |
| Origin | Bavaria, Germany |
| Year | c. 1930–1950 |
| Material | Fine hard-paste porcelain |
| Pattern | Blue chain link motif with gold rim |
| Mark | Crowned PA shield, “Arzberg Bavaria” |
| Style | Art Deco–to–Mid-Century transition |
| Condition | Excellent vintage condition; minimal wear |
| Composition | Dinner plates, saucers, bowls, sugar bowl with lid (approx. 29 pcs total) |
Why It Belongs in Your Home
With its elegant geometry and hand-applied gilding, this P.A. Arzberg Bavaria set bridges two eras of European design—Art Deco refinement and mid-century simplicity. Perfect for display, entertaining, or heirloom gifting, it embodies the enduring grace of German porcelain craftsmanship.