The Vatican Mosaic Workshop had refined and perfected production of micro-mosaics by the end of the 18th century, to meet a contemporary demand for objects in the Antique taste. During the early 19th century, the Berlin porcelain factory had great success in imitating the effect of these techniques, and produced porcelain with faux micro-mosaic decoration. The design of the present service was particularly difficult to produce and the octagonal form was effective in imitating the smooth sides and precision of metal rather than porcelain.

For another service of this form but with faux micro-mosaics representing birds see Christie's New York, 20 October 2011, lot 33. Another example decorated with Italian ruins was sold Sotheby's London, 17 January 2018, lot 65. A cup and saucer with similar decoration to the present lot was sold Lempertz, Berlin, The Twinight Collection I, 7 November 2018, lot 36 and another at Historia Auctionata, Berlin, 20 January 2021, lot 2277.