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.
Nymphenburg Porcelain Dinnerware service pattern Adonis by Wersin Red Tines
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
This most elegant dinnerware service was designed for Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg by Wolfgang von Wersin in the 1930´s. With its modern elegance, the pattern Adons has remained ...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Sketches Flower #44 Plate
By Hella Jongerius, Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Roma, IT
This is a celebration of age-old crafts and treasures found in the Nymphenburg archives, and a celebration of the idea of having ‘options’ in design. The layout is designed by Jonger...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Porcelain Tea Set LOTOS with Alchemie decor
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Nymphenburg Porcelain LOTOS Tea cup incl. tray with "Alchemie" Décor A true classic of German porcelain design, the LOTOS service was created in the early 1930s by Wolfgang von Wer...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Porcelain Tea Set LOTOS with Alchemie decor
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Nymphenburg Porcelain LOTOS Tea cup incl. tray with "Alchemie" Décor A true classic of German porcelain design, the LOTOS service was created in the early 1930s by Wolfgang von Wer...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Porcelain Tea Set LOTOS with Alchemie decor
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in München, Bavaria
Nymphenburg Porcelain LOTOS Tea cup incl. tray with "Alchemie" Décor A true classic of German porcelain design, the LOTOS service was created in the early 1930s by Wolfgang von Wer...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Sketches Wildlife Insect Plate
By Hella Jongerius, Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Roma, IT
This is a celebration of age-old crafts and treasures found in the Nymphenburg archives, and a celebration of the idea of having ‘options’ in design. The layout is designed by Jonger...
Porcelain
$2,321Sale Price / set|50% Off
H 7.09 in W 12.21 in D 10.63 in
Quinta Nova 43-Piece Floral Porcelain Dinnerware Set, Portugal, 1960s
By Vista Alegre
Located in Valladolid, ES
Gorgeous porcelain tableware from the Portuguese firm Quinta Nova, renowned for its fine porcelain. Its meticulously painted floral design combines warm tones of orange and green on a pearly white background, evoking a romantic yet contemporary touch. The edges of the pieces feature a wavy shape with a fine gold trim, enhancing their decorative character. The floral ornamentation, with intertwined branches and flowers in full bloom, recalls 19th-century botanical motifs, inspired by Rococo art and Victorian design. The balance between the gold details and the softness of the floral brushstrokes make this tableware ideal for a more classic decor style or a more modern setting. Stamped on the base of each piece. Quinta Nova Porcelain, now Vista Alegre Quinta Nova Porcelain was a Portuguese brand...
Porcelain
$700Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 3.94 in Dm 6.5 in
Set of Six Capodimonte Porcelain Tea /Coffee Cups with Floral Motifs, Italy
By Capodimonte
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. This set is made in Capodimonte porcelain and features hand painted floral motifs and golden edges. They are vintage therefore they might show slight traces of ...
Porcelain
Richard Ginori Burnt Orange Contessa Extensive Dinnerware Service Of 141 Pieces
By Richard Ginori
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Richard Ginori extensive dinnerware service Contessa rust red pattern dinnerware service . Pattern having a burnt orange and double gilt gold and black trim decorated design on white...
Gold
$385 / set
H 0.79 in Dm 6.7 in
Mix & Match, Six Contemporary Porcelain Bread Plates with Multicolored Flowers
By Francesca Colombo
Located in MILAN, IT
If you are looking for an unique tableware in order to make your lunch special and chic every day, this "Mix and Match" bread porcelain set of six is the perfect solution. It is an e...
Porcelain
Rosenthal porcelain dinner service "Maria", Germany 1966
By Rosenthal
Located in Delft, NL
Rosenthal porcelain dinner service "Maria", Germany 1966 A white porcelain dinner service set by Rosenthal, Germany Dated with the Rosenthal mark of 1966 The romantic set called " M...
Porcelain
$560 / set
H 0.79 in Dm 10.63 in
Mix & Match, Six Contemporary Porcelain Dinner Plates with Flowers and Animals
By Francesca Colombo
Located in MILAN, IT
If you are looking for an unique tableware in order to make your dinner special and chic every day, this "Mix and Match" dinner porcelain set is the perfect solution. It is an explos...
Porcelain
$2,788 / set
H 1.19 in W 9.45 in D 9.45 in
Limoges Albert Pillivuyt 82-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set, Violets
By Maison Albert Pillivuyt & Cie
Located in Valladolid, ES
Amazing 82-piece dinner service “Violets”, Albert Pillivuyt, Foëcy Limoges, Art Nouveau, early 20th century – France Material: Limoges porcelain Model: “Violets” Manufacturer: Pilli...
Porcelain
$350Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 11.82 in W 19.69 in D 19.69 in
Winterling Bavaria Porcelain Mocaccino Service, 1907-1950
Located in Opole, PL
We present you a porcelain mocaccino service. The set includes: a pitcher, a sugar bowl, a milk jug, and six cups with saucers. The Winterling-Bavaria signature is from the 1907-19...
Porcelain
Wedgwood Porcelain Dinner Service for Twelve People
By Wedgwood & Co
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Wedgwood porcelain dinnerware with exterior / interior hand painted design detail service for twelve people with serving pieces. Each piece is in great condition. Maker's mark undersigned. Set include 12 dinner plate 11" diameter. 12 salad plates...
Porcelain, Paint
$93 / item
H 0.79 in Dm 8.47 in
Grandma's Garden, Contemporary Porcelain Dessert Plate Set with Floral Design
By Francesca Colombo
Located in MILAN, IT
Belonging to the Grandma's garden porcelain series, the design of this dessert plate represents a sophisticated and elegant floral designs full of blossoms and buds with delicate col...
Porcelain
Set of 4 Porcelain Dessert Plates - Insect Collection
By Bertrando Di Renzo
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Step into the charm of an English garden with our porcelain plates, adorned with delicate hand-appliqué designs of insects—ladybirds, dragonflies, butterflies, and bumblebees. Perfec...
Porcelain
Porcelain Dinner Plate - Butterfly, Insect Collection
By Bertrando Di Renzo
Located in ROCCAVIVARA CB, IT
Step into the charm of an English garden with our porcelain plates, adorned with delicate hand-appliqué design of a butterfly. Perfect as enchanting tableware to elevate your dining ...
Porcelain
Sold
H 2.96 in W 8.08 in D 9.85 in
Oval Basket Bowl - Nymphenburg - Perlservice - Bayerisches Königsservice
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large oval basket bowl from the Perl-service. "Bayerisches Königsservice" after design by Dominikus Auliczek at Nymphenburg. The bowl is 25...
Porcelain
6 Dessert Plates - Nymphenburg - Perlservice - Bayerisches Königsservice
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Stockholm, SE
6 Dessert plates from the Perl" form. "Bayerisches Königsservice" decoration, after design by Dominikus Auliczek at Nymphenburg. The plates a...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Sketches Wildlife Deer Plate
By Nymphenburg Porcelain, Hella Jongerius
Located in Roma, IT
This is a celebration of age-old crafts and treasures found in the Nymphenburg archives, and a celebration of the idea of having ‘options’ in design. The layout is designed by Jonger...
Porcelain
Nymphenburg Sketches Flower #22 Plate
By Nymphenburg Porcelain, Hella Jongerius
Located in Roma, IT
This is a celebration of age-old crafts and treasures found in the Nymphenburg archives, and a celebration of the idea of having ‘options’ in design. The layout is designed by Jonger...
Porcelain
20th Century Nymphenburg Salt Cellars, Pair, circa 1940
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in San Francisco, CA
A pair of master salt cellars by Nymphenburg, with very detailed scenic decorations. The two vessels are molded with great detail, the small bead rim, reticulated base and small ba...
Porcelain
Ten Nymphenburg Hand-Painted Fruit Plates with Molded and Pierced Borders
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This unusual set of ten Nymphenburg dessert or fruit plates are hand-painted with fruit specimens with the interesting addition of nuts, pomegranates and gooseberries. The ground is ...