LabelThe imperial porcelain factory was established in 1744 by the empress Elizabeth I (r. 1741–61). For several years production was hampered by unreliable or inexperienced workmen, but by the 1750s the factory had begun producing porcelain in the Meissen style. This plate is from the factory's first table service, made for the empress about 1756–60. Every piece was decorated with a graceful molded trellis pattern, which suggests they were part of a dessert service, perhaps to be used in summer.

Signatures, Inscriptions, and MarkingsMarks: [on underside]: two-headed eagle in black (mark of Imperial Porcelain Factory under Empress Elizabeth I)

ProvenanceEmpress Elizabeth I of Russia(from ca. 1756-60)