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KPM Porcelain Sculptures

The Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin, or KPM (Royal Porcelain Factory, Berlin, in English) was one of the most influential porcelain factories to emerge in 18th-century Germany, along with Nymphenburg and Meissen. KPM was the third incarnation of a company originally founded in 1751 by Wilhelm Caspar Wegely to take advantage of the burgeoning market for “white gold.” On the verge of bankruptcy, Wegely sold his inventory and tools to Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky, who in 1761 established another porcelain factory, which also failed, and was subsequently taken over by Frederick II of Prussia in 1763. Like Augustus II, Elector of Saxony, the patron of Meissen and a keen collector who described himself as suffering (quite happily) from “porcelain sickness,” Frederick II was proud to refer to himself as KPM’s “best customer.” KPM produces china and figurines to this day, and throughout its long history, it has been a style-setter for elegant tableware, particularly in the 1930’s, the period during which their popular patterns Urbino, Urania and Arkadia were designed.

Thanks to its royal patronage, KPM had the resources and contacts necessary to establish itself as a leading luxury producer, and supplied Russian and European elites with tableware in the Rococo and Neoclassical styles, as well as monumental vases, and decorative plaques. Many of these objects can be found today in major museums as a result of Frederick II’s penchant for sending KPM porcelain as diplomatic gifts throughout Europe. Unlike Meissen, which was known for crafting porcelain sculptures of dazzling complexity, KPM is revered for the precision and splendor of its surface decoration, and for its porcelain plaques depicting scenes from history and mythology. One especially lovely example circa 1790 is a neocalssical-style tea service decorated with gold accents and a grisaille design of figures from the ancient world. By contrast, this boldly colorful narrative cup and saucer set from the 1840’s depicts scenes from real life as colorfully as a painting. The set was commissioned by a gentleman for his wife as a tongue-in-cheek gift commemorating her misadventures while in town for a visit to the opera, which resulted in her opera glasses being stolen. The saucer shows the thief and the glasses, and the cup reveals the scene of the crime in vivid hues.

KPM was forced to move from its original location in 1867 due to the building of the new Prussian Parliament building, and this afforded the company the opportunity to to create a new factory with the newest equipment and materials of the day. With the growing popularity of Art Nouveau and the western fascination with Asian ceramics, KPM began formulating glazes that evoked the color palette and rich surfaces of Chinese porcelain. By the turn of the century, KPM was exhibiting its wares to a global audience at international expositions. At the end of World War I with the collapse of the Prussian monarchy, KPM was renamed the State Porcelain Manufactory Berlin, continuing to use the name KPM and its use of the cobalt blue sceptre mark that is painted on the bottom of every piece.

By the late 1920’s, the designers and craftsmen of KPM were inspired by the tenets of Modernism, particularly the styles of the Bauhaus and the Deutscher Werkbund. During this period, the firm’s aim was to produce useful household porcelain for a range of consumers, rather than catering to a small elite. Among the most successful patterns of this era was designer Trude Petri’s Urbino line, which is still produced today. Following World War II, KPM was temporarily housed in the town of Selb, and only returned to its rebuilt quarters in Berlin in 1957. In the 1980s, KPM became an private company independent of the state, and began to focus production on the preservation of historic forms, designs, and techniques. KPM continues to collaborate with designers from all over the world, most recently on the Berlin dinnerware service with designer Enzo Mari, and a collaboration with the luxury brands Bottega Veneta and Bugatti.

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Creator: KPM Porcelain
KPM Blanc de Chine Monkey Sculpture, Germany 1960s
By KPM Porcelain
Located in Norwalk, CT
Made by the KPM, Real Porcelain Factory in Berlin, Germany, this beautifully crafted figure features a monkey eating bananas. The attention to detail and fine glaze are outstanding. ...
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1960s German Hollywood Regency Vintage KPM Porcelain Sculptures

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KPM Porcelain Model of a Parrot, Late 19th Century
By KPM Porcelain
Located in London, GB
A KPM porcelain model of a parrot German, late 19th century Measures: Height 23cm, width 12cm, depth 9cm Marked for KPM, the leading German porcelain makers, this charming and ...
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Late 19th Century German Belle Époque Antique KPM Porcelain Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Porcelain Figure, KPM Berlin 19th century
By KPM Porcelain
Located in Belmont, MA
Woman with a parrot, KPM Berlin, 19th century.. Beautiful figurine of a standing woman in oriental dress holding a parrot in her right hand. Naturalistically painted with fired KPM mark...
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19th Century German Aesthetic Movement Antique KPM Porcelain Sculptures

Materials

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"Nude with Fish, " Rare, Art Nouveau Porcelain Sculpture for Crown Prince Wilhelm
By KPM Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare and striking, this porcelain sculpture depicting a nude Japanese male figure carrying a fish on his shoulders was sculpted by Adolf (or Adolph) Ambe...
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1940s German Belle Époque Vintage KPM Porcelain Sculptures

Materials

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Royal Porcelain or State’s Porcelain Manufactory 'KPM' Cherub’s Sculpture
By KPM Porcelain
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This rare porcelain group sculpture depicts a pair of winged warriors cherub figurines. They are without their helmet, armor, and swords. One is in a victorious posture and the other...
Category

19th Century German Rococo Antique KPM Porcelain Sculptures

Materials

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Antique German KPM Hand Painted & Gilt Porcelain Figural Spill Vase 19th Century
By KPM Porcelain
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique German figural spill vase by KPM offers porcelain construction with figure of man in countryside setting, hand painted with gilt highlights, marked on base as photographed...
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19th Century German Antique KPM Porcelain Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Royal Porcelain Manufactory/State’s Porcelain Manufactory 'KPM' Porcelain Group
By KPM Porcelain
Located in Guaynabo, PR
Large Rococo porcelain figure group depicting a scene of peasants, a young woman playing a guitar in the top of a rock accompanied by a young c...
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18th Century German Rococo Antique KPM Porcelain Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

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Kpm Porcelain sculptures for sale on 1stDibs.

KPM porcelain sculptures are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of porcelain and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of KPM Porcelain sculptures, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original sculptures by KPM Porcelain were created in the Rococo style in germany during the 19th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider sculptures by Aelteste Volkstedter Porzellanmanufaktur, Nymphenburg Porcelain, and Karl Ens. Prices for KPM Porcelain sculptures can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $600 and can go as high as $9,431, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,488.
Questions About KPM Porcelain Sculptures
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024
    To identify KPM porcelain, first find the maker's marking on your piece. The German manufacturer used different markings over the years, including an eagle, a scepter, an orb on a cross and its KPM initials. Pieces produced after 1925 may also have "Germany" or "Bavaria" accompanying these stamps. By comparing the markings on your piece to images shared on trusted online resources, you can often determine whether it is KPM porcelain and approximately when it was made. Should you have any difficulty, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer can be of assistance. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of KPM porcelain.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024
    On porcelain, KPM stands for Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur, a German maker. The 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 traditional techniques and meticulously painted by hand, producing one-of-a-kind quality. King Frederick II of Prussia founded KPM in Berlin in 1763 after two other entrepreneurs had been unsuccessful in establishing porcelain manufacturing companies in Germany. Shop a collection of Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur porcelain ware on 1stDibs.

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