Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) Lighting
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.
1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) Lighting
Brass
1970s German Vintage Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) Lighting
Porcelain, Fabric
Late 18th Century German Rococo Antique Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) Lighting
Ormolu, Bronze
20th Century Space Age Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) Lighting
Glass
Early 20th Century French Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) Lighting
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Regency Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) Lighting
Bronze
1910s French Empire Vintage Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) Lighting
Crystal, Bronze
1880s Napoleon III Antique Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) Lighting
Porcelain
Late 20th Century Czech Mid-Century Modern Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) Lighting
Metal
Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) Lighting
Metal, Brass
1970s Dutch Space Age Vintage Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) Lighting
Metal
1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) Lighting
Metal
1960s German Space Age Vintage Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) Lighting
Ceramic, Fabric
1960s Italian Space Age Vintage Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) Lighting
Metal
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) Lighting
Brass