Nymphenburg — one of Europe’s most venerable porcelain factories — was founded near Munich in 1747 by Maximilian III Joseph, the elector of Bavaria. It didn’t begin producing under the name we know today, however, until 1761, when it was moved to Nymphenburg Palace.
Porcelain was invented in East Asia around 2,000 years ago, and its formula, which requires a special clay called kaolin, became a closely guarded secret. It wasn’t until the early 1700s that chemists at Meissen, Germany, in the employ of Augustus II the Strong, the elector of Saxony, discovered a process for making true, as opposed to soft-paste, porcelain. Soon factories across Europe were producing fine porcelain services and sculpture for an elite clientele.
Nymphenburg was one of these factories, manufacturing elaborate services for dinner, dessert, coffee and tea, and sculptures for the Bavarian nobility. Round objects, such as Nymphenburg plates and vases, were turned on potter’s wheels, while more complex ones, like figures, were slip cast in molds. This technique ensured that the pieces’ dimensions were precise and consistent. Once shaped, they were fired and, after that, hand-decorated by experienced china painters, who finished each to exacting standards.
Among Nymphenburg’s most famous objects are its lively and charming Rococo-style figurines, most often depicting Commedia dell'Arte characters or exotic Chinese figures. Today, the company makes versions of its historic figurines with updated forms and decorations by such designers as Christian Lacroix and Vivienne Westwood.
It also still makes one of its earliest, and eternally popular, china patterns: the floral Cumberland, created in 1765 by Franz Anton Bustelli as the electoral court service. Cumberland is one of more than 20,000 patterns housed today in Nymphenburg’s archive, enabling owners of incomplete sets to find replacements. In addition, the company has engaged contemporary designers such as Ted Muehling and Hella Jongerius to create witty new designs that celebrate the firm’s history while giving it a fresh spin.
Find authentic Nymphenburg Porcelain decorative objects, tableware and other items on 1stDibs.
Antique Nymphenburg Porcelain Chick Figurine Art Nouveau, Early 20th C. Signed
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A rare and highly charming antique porcelain figurine depicting a chick, designed by Anna Soennecken-Beckmann for the renowned Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory c. 1911. Created in t...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Blanc de Chine Porcelain 'Lion Baroque' Figurine with Bavarian Crest
By Nymphenburg Porcelain, Joseph Wackerle
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine German porcelain figurine. By Nymphenburg Porcelain. Entitled 'Lion Baroque', designed by Josef Wackerle. In the form of a rampant lion with the Bavarian lesser coat of arm...
Porcelain
Mid-20th Century Modern German Glazed and Painted Porcelain Frog by Nymphenburg
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century modern german glazed and painted porcelain frog sitting on a rock by manufacturer Nymphenburg By: Nymphenburg Porcelain Material: porcelain, paint, ceramic Techniqu...
Porcelain, Paint, Ceramic
$22,000Sale Price|20% Off
Extraordinary Nymphenburg Hand Painted Porcelain Peacock, Signed and Dated 1912
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Breathtaking porcelain peacock by Nymphenburg, the sculptor Theodor Ka¨rner created in 1906. This model was is signed and dated by the artist in 1912. This piece is also marked with ...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Porcelain Commedia Dell'Arte Figure of Pierrot
By Franz Anton Bustelli, Nymphenburg Porcelain, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine painted and gilt porcelain figure of the commedia dell'arte character, Pierrot. By Nymphenburg. Pierrot depicted with his head to the side, highlighted in blue, black & go...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Porcelain Commedia Dell'Arte Figure of Scaramuz
By Nymphenburg Porcelain, Meissen Porcelain, Franz Anton Bustelli
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A finely painted and gilt porcelain figure of the Commedia dell'Arte character, Scaramuz. By Nymphenburg. His coat in brown/grey, black, and white. His cloak, pants, and hat in a...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Miniature Porcelain Figurine of the Münchner Kindl
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine German miniature blanc de chine porcelain figurine. Designed by Ernst Andreas Rauch for Nymphenburg Porcelain ca. 1945. In the form of Münchner Kindl, (lit. Munich Child), t...
Porcelain
Hippopotamus Hand crafted and hand painted porcelain figure Nymphenburg
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
This is a figure in hand crafted porcelain by Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory. The collection Circus by the artist Luise Terletzki Scherf is a joy to have in your space. She crafte...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Limited Edition Skull - Peacock feathers - hand painted Nr. 22/25
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Nymphenburg Porcelain limited edition skull - Hummingbird - attributed to the modern man that is no longer fears mento mori. This hand crafted and hand painted skull is a perfect exa...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Frankenthal Figurine 'Lady With Bird Cage' by Johann Friedrich Lück
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Very rare figurine from the former manufacturer Frankenthal Germany. The lady, dressed in Rococo style: white dress with flowered bodice and apron, white bonnet, is holding an open ...
Porcelain
Ted Muheling Nymphenburg Porcelain Volute Bowl
By Nymphenburg Porcelain, Ted Muehling
Located in Roma, IT
Ted Muehling for Nymphenburg porcelain volute bowl. The bowl features a white bisque exterior & glazed interior. It measures approximately 7 1/2? x 4? & 2 1/2" in height. Nymphe...
Porcelain
Porcelain flamingo in pink, handcrafted, hand painted - Nymphenburg porcelain
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
This handcrafted and hand painted flamingo was designed by Luise Terletzki Scherf. She was a master of capturing the character of the animals and has created a menagerie of animals f...
Porcelain
Pair of Nymphenburg porcelain vases
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Pair of Nymphenburg Porcelain Vases Two small white porcelain vases with a glossy finish, decorated with devil heads on the sides and Art Nouveau details on the bottom. Measurements:...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Limited Edition Skull - Onyx - hand painted Nr. 12/25
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Nymphenburg Porcelain limited edition skull - Onyx - attributed to the modern man that is no longer fears mento mori. This hand crafted and hand painted skull is a perfect example of...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Porcelain Skull - with multicolored Butterflies - hand painted
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Nymphenburg Porcelain exclusive one of a kind butterfly skull - the perfect item for the modern man that is no longer fears mento mori. This hand cra...
Porcelain
Theodor Kärner Red Hunt, White Porcelain Sculpture for Nymphenburg
By Nymphenburg Porcelain, Theodor Kärner
Located in Delft, NL
Theodor Kärner (1884-1966), red hunt, white porcelain sculpture for Nymphenburg Theodor Kärner (1884-1966), sculptor, worked at Nymphenburg Porcelain factory in Munich during 1905 - 1918 The white porcelain statue...
Porcelain
Theodor Kärner figure Hunting rider pincess MARGARETHE V. Thurn and Taxis.
By Nymphenburg Porcelain, Theodor Kärner
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Theodor Kärner Hohenberg/Eger 1885 - Munich 1966 Figure 'Hunting rider Princess Margarethe v. Thurn and Taxis' Nymphenburg, 20th century. Designed in ...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Limited Edition Skull - Voyage - hand painted Nr. 18/25
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Nymphenburg Porcelain limited edition skull - Voyage - attributed to the modern nomad, sailing fanatic or nautical expert. This hand crafted and hand painted skull is a perfect examp...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Limited Edition Skull - Butterflies - hand painted Edition of 25
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Nymphenburg Porcelain limited edition skull - Butterflies - attributed to the modern man that is no longer fears mento mori. This hand crafted and hand painted skull is a perfect exa...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Porcelain Figurine of the Disturbed Slumberer/Der Gestörte Schlummer
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Nymphenburg porcelain figurine. Entitled "Der Gestörte Schlummer", which translates to English as "The Disturbed Slumber". After the 18th Century Frankenthal Porcelain model modeled by Johann Friedrich Lück. Depicting a sleeping gallant attended to (and being awakened by) two maidens. The gallant is sleeping on patches of grass that are supported by a stylized Rococo rocaille base. Simply a wonderful antique Nymphenburg figurine...
Porcelain
Large Blanc de Chine Nymphenburg Figurine of Winter by Auliczek
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Nymphenburg porcelain figurine. By Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufactory. Designed Dominikus Auliczek. Modeled as an allegorical de...
Porcelain
Franz Anton Bustelli for Nymphenberg - Läufer mit Consortin
By Franz Anton Bustelli, Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Hanover, MA
Franze Anton Bustelli, one of the most important porcelain modellers of the Rococo, in 1754 for PORZELLAN MANUFAKTUR NYMPHENBURG. Porcelain, glazed, sculpted representation of Consor...
Porcelain
Large Nymphenburg Porcelain Powder Blue Ground Trumpet Form Flower Vase, ea.
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare, large-scale Nymphenburg porcelain trumpet form flower vase. With crisp, clean lines that harken back to the Biedermeier period and dovetail perfectly with the aesthetic o...
Porcelain
Porcelain Figurine “Leonhardi Rider” underglaze painted
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Leonhardi Rider Model 351 Theodor Kärner, 1912 Designed in 1912 by Theodor Kärner (1884–1966) for Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg, the Leonhardi Rider is a refined example of early...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Porzellan Manufaktur - lying curly poodle in white bisque porcelain
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Curly Poodle, Nymphenburg Porcelain, 1922 This finely modelled curly poodle was handcrafted at the Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg in 1922. Executed in white porcelain, the figure ...
Porcelain
Kalliope III - J. Partenheimer × Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg, vase, 2000s
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Vase Edition “Kalliope” III Nr. 1/7 by the Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg Vase, freely hand-thrown at the Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg. Double-sphere form: lower section glaz...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Porcelain Tureen with Lemon
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Lantau, HK
hand painted porcelain with floral design and a lemon finial on the lid; the rims are gilded. This piece is inspired by Meissen examples of the mid-18th century. The shape of the Tur...
Porcelain
Kalliope II - J. Partenheimer × Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg, vase, 2000s
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Vase Edition “Kalliope II” Nr. 4/7 by the Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg Vase, freely hand-thrown at the Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg. Double-sphere form: lower section glaze...
Porcelain
Ted Muheling Nymphenburg Porcelain Small Branch Candlestick
By Ted Muehling, Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Roma, IT
Ted Muehling for Nymphenburg white bisque porcelain small branch candlestick. Candlestick measures approximately 7 1/2" x 7 3/4" x 8 1/4? high. Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufacture...
Porcelain
Lady in an Armchair (underglaze-painted figure) by Josef Wackerle
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Lady in an Armchair 1905 modelled, crafted 1908 Josef Wackerle A rare and characterful work rooted in Bavarian cultural heritage and Nymphenburg’s sculptural tradition. Josef Wacke...
Porcelain
Ted Muheling Nymphenburg Porcelain Branch Vase
By Nymphenburg Porcelain, Ted Muehling
Located in Roma, IT
Ted Muehling for Nymphenburg white bisque porcelain large branch vase. Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufacture started in 1747, attached to the Nymphenburg Pala...
Porcelain
Christimas cherubs in Nymphenburg porcelain hand crafted and hand painted
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Nymphenburg is the porcelain manufactory of the Bavarian royal family. These cherubs are hand crafted and hand painted in Nymphenburg by artisians with execellent expertise. They are...
Porcelain
Hand painted and handcrafted porcelain vase Ruth Gurvich Original Nymphenburg
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Handcrafted in Nymphenburg Porcelain this vase from the series Lightscape is white bisque porcelain outside and glazed inside. The texture of the vase is like rough watercolor paper ...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Frankenthal Figurine 'Guitar Player', Germany, 1923
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Very rare figurine from the former manufacturer Frankenthal. The young man, dressed in Rococo style: black knee breeches, white stockings, fitted, white, striped jacket with puffed ...
Porcelain
Christimas cherubs in Nymphenburg porcelain hand crafted and hand painted
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Nymphenburg is the porcelain manufactory of the Bavarian royal family. These cherubs are hand crafted and hand painted in Nymphenburg by artisians with execellent expertise. They are...
Porcelain
Lightscape by Ruth Gurvich Nymphenburg Porcelain hand painted decor Lightscape
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
This porcelain vases is hand crafted and hand painted in the historic studios at Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg. Designed by the artist Ruth Gurvich, this vase is like folded paper...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Porcelain handcrafted and hand painted cherub on a pedestal
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
This allegorical cherub Luna holding the cycle moon is handcrafted in Nymphenburg porcelain. The figure stands on a pedestal adorned with the Bavarian crest and floral bouquets. The ...
Porcelain
Lightscape vase (L) by Ruth Gurvich Nymphenburg Porcelain hand painted
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Lightscape designed by Ruth Gurvich and manufactured in pure hand-craft by Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg is the perfect accessorie for any home. It is crafted of high quality Euro...
Porcelain
Handcrafted cherub of the allegory LUNA - hand painted - Nymphenburg Porcelain
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
This cherub is the allegory "Luna" holding the moon from a large collection of allegorical figures from the Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg archival collection. The figure is finely...
Porcelain