About the brand KPM Berlin
KPM Berlin - the Royal Porcelain Manufactory Berlin - has been producing unique porcelain for over 250 years. Founded in 1763 by Frederick the Great, the manufactory still stands today for handmade luxury, stylish design and the highest quality standards. In the tradition of the best craftsmanship, exclusive porcelain has been created over the centuries, which has written design history. Today KPM is privately owned and the manufactory develops not only the famous classics but also innovative design products such as the coffee-to-go cups in the legendary Kurland design.
Friedrich the Great - a founder with visions
Porcelain was the great passion of Frederick II of Prussia. In 1763 he took over an already existing porcelain manufactory in Berlin. He gave the Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin the "royal" name - and his cobalt blue sceptre as a trademark. As an entrepreneur, Frederick II of Prussia showed a sense of responsibility: he abolished child labour, ensured regular working hours, introduced pensions and a company health insurance fund. Until Wilhelm II's abdication in 1918, KPM Berlin was owned by seven kings and emperors.
From rococo to modern - KPM stands for stylish design in all eras
Many KPM classics have written history and are partly associated with nice anecdotes. For example the porcelain form Neuzierart, which was decorated with a matt, delicate blue - the so-called "Bleu mourant" - in 1784 at Frederick's request. This becomes an often quoted word of the Berliners: If they feel uncomfortable and as tired as this "Bleu mourant", they become completely "flowery".
The Kurland collection is also famous. In 1790 Peter Biron, Duke of Kurland, commissioned the manufactory to produce a dinner service. It was intended to enrich the furnishings of his Friedrichsfelde Palace in East Berlin. The dinnerware is still produced at KPM today and has lost none of its appeal. The most recent example is KPM's coffee-to-go cup, on which the decor looks fresh and modern.
With the end of the monarchy in 1918, KPM became the State Porcelain Manufactory and the producer of countless modern design icons. One example of this is the Urbino porcelain line by sculptor Trude Petri, designed in the spirit of the Bauhaus in 1931.
KPM - Made to stay
With the words "Made to stay" KPM expresses its philosophy today. In the 21st century, the company is willing to "cultivate tradition, create consistent values and create style". Even today, KPM porcelain receives the cobalt blue sceptre - but only after it has undergone numerous work steps and strict quality controls. The porcelain pieces are almost exclusively produced by hand. The decors are made today, as they were then, in freehand painting. Thus each piece has a unique character.
The company has long since ceased to be royal property. Following long-standing ownership by the state of Berlin, KPM Berlin has been fully privatised since 2006.
At Artedona you can order every service and every product of the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin.
