Late 18th Century Berlin Porcelain Tureen by KPM

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The Konigliche Porcelain Manufactur of the 18th Century was finaced by
Friedrich II. The fabrication of porcelain was stricktly controlled … Read more The Konigliche Porcelain Manufactur of the 18th Century was finaced by
Friedrich II. The fabrication of porcelain was stricktly controlled as far
as productivity as well as quality was concerned. No child labor was allowed,
and no inexpensive laborers. Skilled artisans painted, others tended to
the fabrication of tableware as well as decorative figures etc. The cepter
became the mark of the konigliche manufactur per decree of Friedrich II.
From 1763 to 1780 the factory increased to 400 artisans. Quality controll
was strickt, and each workday lasted 12 hours, six days per week.
There was one hour allowed for the noon meal, workers had to supply
their own light after dark.
The master model maker's earnings were 2000 Taler per year,
the master painter earned the same, the director of the plant in comparasion
earned 1400 Taler per year.
In order to increase productivity, bonuses were paid to top producing
workers. The demand for porcelain as a status symbol was ever increasing,
and Friedrich II was eager to collect profits from his enterprise.
Meissen as well as some British porcelains were equally desired and proved
to be competition to the Berliner Manufactur.
The majority of orders were for table services. Decorative vases and such
followed, figurines rounded out the demand.
After the death of Friedrich II, in 1786, the manufactur changed markedly.
Friedrich Wilhelm II was not as interested in the high quality, his father
demanded, rather he and his newly commisioned Minister Friedrich Anton
von Heinitz decided to produce porcelain attainable by a larger consumer group.
In addition, rather than horse drawn machines, steam engines were introduced.
The porcelain was of a lesser quality, so was the painting, however, it was
still superb by all standards.
The offered Tureen display's the exhuberance of the late Rococo, masterly
painted " Deutsche Blumchen" and lovely detailed relief work, as fine as
any Meissen piece of the same time period. There is a slash thru the septer
mark, indicating this piece was deemed second quality. I think it is the relief
of the basket weave design on the lid that is not as sharp as the same on the
pot, which did not meet the strict standards. See less