What Are Silesia China Patterns?
Silesia china patterns include hand-painted wild roses, willow trees and mill scenes. RS Silesia china refers to porcelain dishes made in Germany by the Reinhold Schlegelmilch factory, according to Kovels. The pottery is also branded ES Germany, RS Germany, RS Poland, RS Prussia, RS Suhl and RS Tillowitz. One of the company’s marks was a wreath and star with the word “Royal,” while another was a steeple.
The history of the RS porcelain factories is controversial, with different owners and factories in several German towns. When the United States reduced the tariff on porcelain in 1894, the result was a flood of European imports, much of which came from the Reinhold factories. American taste in tableware turned to more simple designs in 1905, which resulted in a preference for cheap Japanese china. Today, RS china is sought after for its variety of colors, patterns and scenes, according to International Association of RS Prussia collectors.
RS products include ornate teapots, coffee pots, cups and saucers, sugar bowls, plates, creamers, and chocolate sets, according to Collectors Weekly. Most pieces were decorated with flowers or portraits applied to the clay via lithograph. Some pieces featured jeweled, gold or iridescent finishes. RS Prussia designs tended to favor classical or nature themes. Vases depicting animals tend to be more valuable than those with floral depictions because of their rarity.
