Berlin Porcelain Tureen, by KPM, Beautifully Decorated

About the Item

The Konigliche Porcelain Manufactur of the 18th Century was finaced by Friedrich II. The fabrication of porcelain was stricktly controlled as far as productivity as well as quality was concerned. No child labor was allowed, and no inexpensive laborers. Skilled artisans painted, others tended to the fabrication of tableware as well as decorative figures etc. The cepter became the mark of the konigliche manufactur per decree of Friedrich II. From 1763 to 1780 the factory increased to 400 artisans. Quality controll was strickt, and each workday lasted 12 hours, six days per week. There was one hour allowed for the noon meal, workers had to supply their own light after dark. The master model maker's earnings were 2000 Taler per year, the master painter earned the same, the director of the plant in comparasion earned 1400 Taler per year. In order to increase productivity, bonuses were paid to top producing workers. The demand for porcelain as a status symbol was ever increasing, and Friedrich II was eager to collect profits from his enterprise. Meissen as well as some British porcelains were equally desired and proved to be competition to the Berliner Manufactur. The majority of orders were for table services. Decorative vases and such followed, figurines rounded out the demand. After the death of Friedrich II, in 1786, the manufactur changed markedly. Friedrich Wilhelm II was not as interested in the high quality, his father demanded, rather he and his newly commisioned Minister Friedrich Anton von Heinitz decided to produce porcelain attainable by a larger consumer group. In addition, rather than horse drawn machines, steam engines were introduced. The porcelain was of a lesser quality, so was the painting, however, it was still superb by all standards. The offered Tureen display's the exhuberance of the late Rococo, masterly painted " Deutsche Blumchen" and lovely detailed relief work, as fine as any Meissen piece of the same time period. There is a slash thru the septer mark, indicating this piece was deemed second quality. I think it is the relief of the basket weave design on the lid that is not as sharp as the same on the pot, which did not meet the strict standards.

Creator:

K.P.M. Berlin (Maker)

Dimensions:

Height: 12.5 in (31.75 cm)Width: 15 in (38.1 cm)Depth: 9.5 in (24.13 cm)

Style:

Rococo (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Porcelain,Hand-Painted

Place of Origin:

Germany

Period:

Late 18th Century