Known by just KPM, the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur company has been synonymous with exquisite porcelain works fit for nobility and royalty for over 200 years. KPM porcelain plates, centerpieces and sculptures are painstakingly formed through ages-old techniques and meticulously painted by hand, producing one-of-a-kind quality.
KPM began in Berlin in 1763, founded by King Frederick II of Prussia, after two other entrepreneurs had been unsuccessful in establishing porcelain manufacturing companies in Germany. In 1878, KPM developed a relationship with the Chemical-Technical Research Institute and its director, Hermann Seger. This partnership gave KPM early access to advances in porcelain production and coloration.
KPM flourished under the banner of royal ownership until 1918, when it became a state-run entity after the monarchy was disbanded following Germany’s loss in World War I. With the rise of the Nazi Party in the 1930s, many of the company’s top designers and directors were dismissed, denied exhibitions or forced to flee Germany due to Jewish heritage or loyalty to Jewish colleagues. In 1943, an Allied bombing raid destroyed the KPM factory, and the company was not reestablished until after the war.
KPM reopened in Franconia and began producing porcelain wares. Some staff also worked on reconstructing the historic KPM site in Berlin. In 1957, manufacturing returned to the original company premises.
KPM rebounded over the next few decades. In 2006, in a step to privatize companies throughout the country, German financier Jörg Woltmann bought the organization.
Since its privatization, the company has opened many galleries and shops around Germany and has worked in collaboration with notable brands like Bottega Veneta and Bugatti motor company in recent years.
Although rooted in the Rococo style, KPM has adapted its craft to meet the current trends, all while maintaining the highest levels of excellence throughout its centuries of operation. It continues to produce lavish, elegant porcelain works for elite clientele the world over.
On 1stDibs, browse a vast selection of Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur serveware, decorative objects, lighting and more.
Pair of Biedermeier Miniature Portraits of Gentlemen, 1st Half 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of oval miniature portraits of gentlemen in matching gilt frames. The portraits are executed on oval porcelain plaques with brass mounts. Image size: 5.1 × 3.9 in One sitter is ...
Giltwood, Paint
Two Porcelain Plates with Genre Scenes, Nymphenburg, circa 1770-1775
Located in Greding, DE
Two porcelain plates, Nymphenburg, around 1770-75, pressed mark Rautenschild and NB, one plate additionally with blue mark, hexagram, painting attributed to Joseph Kaltner. Prov.: G....
Porcelain
Biedermeier Portal Clock, probably Vienna ca. 1820/30
Located in Greding, DE
Biedermeier portal clock in an architecturally structured walnut case with alabaster columns, bronze fittings and mirrored rear wall. The clockwork with date and sound spiral. Pendul...
Brass
Mantel Clock with Genre Scene, Vienna 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Mantel clock in a gold-patinated wooden case with enameled clock face and octagonal pedestal with paw feet. The clock case rises above it in the shape of a wooden hut with a pointed ...
Wood
Oval Bowl with Peasant Scene, Nymphenburg, c. 1775
Located in Greding, DE
Oval bowl with peasant scene, Nymphenburg, c. 1775, pressed mark Rautenschild, incised 6, painting attributed to Joseph Kaltner.
Porcelain
Baroque-Style Wall Mirror, Probably Netherlands, 19th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Baroque-style wall mirror with projecting corners and a central mascaron crest in a pyramidal composition. The frame is richly decorated with embossed and gilded metal mounts featuri...
Metal
19th Century KPM Berlin Painted Porcelain Plaque, Die Lautenspielerin
By KPM Porcelain
Located in Forney, TX
A late 19th century Berlin KPM painted porcelain plaque, Die Lautenspielerin, in pierced foliate giltwood frame, painting after Friedrich August von Kaulbach (German, 1850-1920). Mod...
Porcelain, Giltwood, Paint
Very Finely Painted Late 19th Century Berlin K.P.M. Porcelain Rectangular Plaque
By Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM)
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Very Finely Painted Late 19th Century Berlin K.P.M. Porcelain Rectangular Plaque Depicting infants and Cupids playing with a lamb, surrounded by an array of fruits. After the fam...
Porcelain, Giltwood
19th Century KPM Porcelain Plaque, after Old Master Painting
By Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM)
Located in London, GB
19th Century KPM porcelain plaque, after Old Master painting German, 19th Century Plaque: Height 24cm, width 18cm Frame: Height 53cm, width 50cm, depth 8cm This fine KPM porcelain p...
Porcelain, Giltwood
Viennese Imperial Porcelain Picture Plate Plate, Baden En Autriche, 1813
By Viennese Imperial Porcelain Manufactory
Located in Vienna, AT
Porcelain plate decorated with fine veduta painting: in the mirror octagonal picture panel against golden background, framed with matte gold painted festoons above and below the pict...
Porcelain
Viennese Imperial Porcelain Plate, Lustschloss Schoenbrunn, Rich Gilding, 1813
By Viennese Imperial Porcelain Manufactory
Located in Vienna, AT
Porcelain picture plate with a finely painted polychrome veduta: In the centre, a view of the Viennese summer palace of Schönbrunn with its gardens, as seen from the hill opposite, w...
Porcelain
Antique Austrian "Royal Vienna" Framed Neo-Classical Painted Porcelain Plate.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique Austrian Neo-Classical hand-painted porcelain plate mounted in a mahogany frame, signed "Royal Vienna."
Porcelain, Mahogany
