A rare 10-piece Marx & Gutherz Carlsbad Austrian porcelain fish service, circa 1890s.

A showstopper for the collector who believes everyday objects should still feel a little theatrical.

This exceptionally rare 10-piece antique fish service by Marx & Gutherz of Carlsbad, Austria, dating to the late 19th century, circa 1890s, feels like something discovered tucked inside a French seaside villa or displayed in a grand Victorian dining room awaiting a summer luncheon.

The set includes one dramatic oversized fish platter (22.5") and nine coordinating fish plates (8.25"), each decorated with richly detailed aquatic illustrations framed by delicately scalloped borders and softly colored botanical accents. Every plate features a different fish illustration, creating the feeling of a collected natural history study rendered in porcelain.

After years of sourcing and collecting, I have never personally come across another set exactly like this one. While I cannot claim it is one of a kind, it is an exceptionally uncommon find and the sort of decorative object that feels nearly impossible to source twice.

Style it traditionally for serving seafood and coastal entertaining, or do what I would do—display it unapologetically. Layer it into a dining room plate wall, install it in a butler’s pantry, style it on open shelving, or let it become the conversation piece in a kitchen that refuses to take itself too seriously.

Because the best meals deserve excellent stories.

Details:
• Antique Austrian porcelain fish service
• Marx & Gutherz, Carlsbad maker’s marks to underside
• Circa 1890s (late 19th century)
• Includes 10 pieces total
• One fish platter: 22.5" long
• Nine matching plates: approximately 8.25" diameter each
• Individual fish illustrations throughout
• Scalloped rims with decorative floral borders
• Excellent antique condition consistent with age and use

Condition:
Excellent antique condition with expected age-related wear. Please review photographs.