Royal Copenhagen
ROYAL COPENHAGEN PORCELAIN
Royal Copenhagen has a long history of opulance, status, and scandal. Originally gifted between Royalty and made for the elite upper classes, it was a symbol of status. Some commissions costing the equivalent of millions in today's money it displayed a European mastery of the elusive and highly coveted Chinese porcelain techniques.
Artist Painting the 'Flora Dancia' Design
IMAGE SOURCE: http://www.worldcollectorsnet.com/royalcopenhagen/
At Yak Arts, we make sure to always have a large selection of Royal Copenhagen on hand as well as a variety of other fine ceramics. To explore more of our extensive collection please visit our ceramics page.
HISTORY OF ROYAL COPENHAGEN
Royal Copenhagen was founded May 1775 in a converted post office by Franz Heinrich, a chemist given a 50 year monopoly to create blue and white porcelain. Inspired by the blue and white porcelain imported from China it was Queen Juliane Marie who granted this monopoly to provide the royal dinnerware. In fact, it took over 100 years before the secrets of Chinese porcelain-making was uncovered and Royal Copenhagen could be founded. At that time, in the 1700s porcelain was a mark of status and would be commissioned for coffee and tea services, sometimes even large and elaborate vases costing sums equivalent to millions in the money of today. These items would be used as gifts for royalty, the largest and most famous was a dinner service entitled 'Flora Danica' (pictured above) commissioned by Christian VII the Danish King, according to legend for Catherine the Great of Russia.
ROYAL COPENHAGEN 'WAVES OF BLUE' Video explaining the history of Royal Copenhagen in relation to the color blue.
Video Source: Silver Queen Inc., Silver Museum educational outreach program
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRoS7gaa42k&list=PLd67R-XWZanVpKqpaSI3tzi_jzNJooWRU
