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Nymphenburg Porcelain

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.

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...
Category

Early 20th Century German Rococo Revival Nymphenburg Porcelain

Materials

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...
Category

Early 20th Century German Rococo Revival Nymphenburg Porcelain

Materials

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Jugendstil Nymphenburg Porcelain

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain, Paint

Theodor Kärner figure Hunting rider pincess MARGARETHE V. Thurn and Taxis.
By Theodor Kärner, Nymphenburg Porcelain
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 ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Neoclassical Nymphenburg Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Theodor Kärner Red Hunt, White Porcelain Sculpture for Nymphenburg
By Theodor Kärner, Nymphenburg Porcelain
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...
Category

Early 20th Century German Nymphenburg Porcelain

Materials

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...
Category

Early 20th Century German Rococo Nymphenburg Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Coffee Can: Merian's Opossum, Nymphenburg, C1790
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
A good example of the fine painting produced at this factory. This example with an African possum and a feline, after the engraving by George Buffons.
Category

Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Antique Nymphenburg Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Ted Muheling Nymphenburg Porcelain Branch Vase
By Ted Muehling, Nymphenburg Porcelain
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...
Category

Early 2000s Nymphenburg Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Browse all Furniture from Nymphenburg Porcelain
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Creators Similar to Nymphenburg Porcelain

Michel Victor Acier
B. Neresheimer & Sohne
Sitzendorf Porcelain Factory
J.D. Schleissner & Sons
Johann Friedrich Eberlein
Gebruder Friedlander
Johann Carl Schoenheit

Nymphenburg Porcelain furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Nymphenburg Porcelain furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Nymphenburg Porcelain furniture, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. We have 14 vintage editions of these items in-stock, while there is 3 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Nymphenburg Porcelain were created in the Rococo style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Michel Victor Acier, Ernst August Leuteritz, and Johann Friedrich Eberlein. Prices for Nymphenburg Porcelain furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $758 and can go as high as $23,200, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,591.
Questions About Nymphenburg Porcelain
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    To date Nymphenburg porcelain, look for a maker's mark in an inconspicuous area. Since its commission in 1754, the porcelain factory has used a wide range of marks to identify its pieces. By comparing the mark on your porcelain ware to images shared on trusted online resources, you can approximate its age. For example, a coat of arms marking above the brand's wordmark and the number 1754 indicate a piece produced in 2008 or after. If you have difficulty determining the age of a particular piece, a knowledgeable appraiser or antique dealer can assist you. Find a diverse assortment of Nymphenburg porcelain ware on 1stDibs.

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