Royal Copenhagen Vase, 1909 – View of the Danish Newspaper Politiken Headquarters

Royal Copenhagen Vase, 1909 – View of the Danish Newspaper Politiken Headquarters (1884–1909)

Rare hand-painted porcelain vase produced by Royal Copenhagen in 1909 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Danish newspaper Politiken, founded in Copenhagen on October 1st, 1884.

The front of the vase shows a detailed view of Politiken’s historic headquarters, complete with the building’s signage and a street scene. The composition is framed with stylized roses and a blue ribbon, typical of Nordic Jugendstil. On the reverse, a raised cartouche bears the inscription:

1884 – 1ste OKTO: – BCR – 1909, a direct reference to the newspaper’s founding date.

On the underside, the vase carries:

– the green underglaze “Royal Copenhagen” mark without “Denmark” (used before 1923);

– the model number 1083 painted in green;

– the painter’s number 110 in cobalt blue;

– the factory’s iconic three wavy blue lines;

– and the number 1083 N incised into the porcelain body, confirming the registered shape.

Painter no. 110 was active at the Royal Copenhagen factory in the first decade of the 20th century, according to the numbering system in use between 1893 and the late 1920s. The fine decoration and presence of four small glazed feet—unusual for standard production—suggest this was a special commission, possibly reserved for figures connected to the publishing world.

The occasion’s public significance is confirmed by a 1909 commemorative plate created the same year by Bing & Grøndahl and signed by Harald Moltke.

Condition: excellent. No chips, cracks or restorations. Crisp detail and glossy glaze.

Dimensions: height 15.5 cm, width 12 cm