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.
A Viennese 19th century Porcelain and Ormolu box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming and most decorative Viennese 19th century Porcelain and Ormolu box. This elegant rectangular lidded box is raised by four scrolled Ormolu lion pawed feet joined at the bot...
Ormolu
A Viennese 19th century Porcelain and Ormolu box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A charming Viennese 19th century Porcelain and Ormolu box. This elegant rectangular shaped and lidded box is raised by four scrolled legs with foliate designs below a mottled band. T...
Ormolu
French 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu and Sévres Porcelain box.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and elaborately decorated French 19th century Louis XVI st. Ormolu and Sévres Porcelain box. This charming oblong oval shaped lidded box is raised by four toupie shaped fe...
Ormolu
French 19th century Louis XV st. Ormolu and Tortoiseshell box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A high quality and most elegant French 19th century Louis XV st. Ormolu and Tortoiseshell box. This truly stunning rectangular box is raised on four scrolling Ormolu acanthus leaf le...
Ormolu
A French Turn of the Century Gilt Metal and Crystal box, attributed to Baccarat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and richly decorated French Turn of the Century Gilt Metal and Crystal box, attributed to Baccarat. This stunning etched Crystal rectangular shaped box is possibly by B...
Crystal, Metal
French late 19th century Art Nouveau Period Ormolu box
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning and high quality French late 19th century Art Nouveau Period Ormolu box. This exceptional box is raised on four foliate feet below large scale scrolled acanthus leaf corne...
Ormolu
German Porcelain Jewelry Box
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful German oval porcelain jewelry box, in the Regency design style, circa mid-20th century, Germany. Boxes' lid features outdoor nature scene with couple in a park sounded by...
Porcelain
Porcelain Box, Potschappel-Dresden, Germany, 19th Century, with Brand Mark
By German Manufactory
Located in Madrid, ES
Potschappel-Dresden, Germany, 19th century. With brand on the base. Rectangular box with a slightly curved lid made of enamelled porcelain with golden metal finishes and hinges that ...
Other
Augarten Maria Theresa Porcelain Dresser Box & Lid
By Augarten Porzellanmanufaktur
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage porcelain dresser or jewelry box features square form with sculptural lid, inspired by antique Biedermeier style boxes, with dark green floral decor with black outline and go...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Pottery
Sèvres Porcelain Box, Enamelled and Gilded, 20th Century, Napoleon III Style.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sèvres porcelain box, enamelled and gilded, 20th century, Napoleon III style. A 20th century Napoleon III style Sèvres porcelain enamelled and gilt box with gilt brass mounting. Di...
Porcelain
Sèvres Porcelain Box, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period.
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Sèvres porcelain box, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A 19th century Napoleon III period Sèvres porcelain box, Chateau des Tuilleries, gilt brass mounting. Dimensions : H: 12cm,...
Brass
French Porcelain Jewelry Box, Turn of the Century
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in New York, NY
A French porcelain jewelry box, styled after Sèvres porcelain, in the Regency design style, circa late-19th century to early-20th century, France. Box is a deep orange hue with gold ...
Brass
