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 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
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 Flower #44 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 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
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
$853 / set
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
$2,264Sale 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
$375 / 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
$1,525 / set
H 16 in W 12 in D 1 in
Royal Doulton "Clarendon" Pattern Partial Porcelain Dinnerware Service, 84
By Royal Doulton
Located in Astoria, NY
Royal Doulton "Clarendon" Pattern Partial Porcelain Dinnerware Service, each marked "Made in England / Royal Doulton / England / English fine Bone China / Clarendon / H 4993 / Copyri...
Gold
$38,900
H 10 in W 13.5 in D 8 in
Extensive 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Dinnerware Service For Twelve People
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An exceptional and extensive antique Meissen porcelain dinner service, made in Germany in the 19th century by the renowned Meissen manufactory. This complete and elegant service is d...
Porcelain
$546 / 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
$24,000 / set
H 2 in W 14.8 in D 16.5 in
Mid 19th Century Hand-Painted British Porcelain Dinnerware, 88 Pieces
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Mid 19th Century British porcelain dinnerware service with hand painted gilt foliate borders with bouquets of wild flowers against a whit...
Gold
$2,176Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Nymphenburg Porcelain Pearl King's Service for 12 Königsservice Perl 70 pieces
By Dominikus Auliczek, Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in Lausanne, CH
Pearl Service also known as Bavarian Royal Service. A dinner service for 12 people, by the Royal Nymphenburg porcelain factory, designed circa 1792 by court sculptor Dominik Aulicze...
Porcelain
$11,153
H 1.58 in W 14.97 in D 18.9 in
Unusual Set of 18th Century Blue and White Plates, Platers and Lidded Plates
Located in Epfach, DE
Decorative Set of Blue and White Porcelain Plates, China, 18th Century This striking and unusual set of 19 blue and white porcelain pieces includes plates, platters, and lidded pla...
Porcelain
$2,713Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 0.4 in W 9.85 in D 9.85 in
Johnson Bros Happy England Porcelain Dinnerware Set, 81 pieces, Johnson Bros
By Johnson Brothers
Located in Valladolid, ES
Exceptional 81-piece dinnerware set from the renowned English firm Johnson Bros., featuring a 1940s design, "Happy England." Each piece has a scalloped border, a white background, and an elegant and striking rural landscape design. The stamp on the back reads "Happy England, Made in England by Johnson Bros. A genuine hand-engraved, all decoration under the glaze, detergent & acid-resistant color pat n. 190 093. Ironstone." (“Happy England, made in England by Johnson Bros. A genuine hand-engraved design, all decoration under the glaze, resistant to detergent and acid, patent no. 190,093. Ironstone.”) It is precisely this material, known as semi-porcelain or ironstone, that earned the company its special recognition. It combines the elegance of fine porcelain with great durability, making it ideal for everyday use. The transferware technique, or glaze transfer, refers to the design being printed onto the ceramic before firing, guaranteeing precise and repeatable details. Johnson Brothers (1883–2015) Johnson Brothers was a British manufacturer and exporter of tableware, known for its early introduction of “semi-porcelain” tableware. It was one of Staffordshire's most successful potteries, producing tableware, much of which was exported to the United States from the 1890s to the 1960s. They were also major manufacturers of large-format bathroom ceramics. Some of their designs, such as "Eternal Beau," "Dawn," "Old Britain Castles...
Porcelain
$2,125 / set
H 6 in W 14.25 in D 6.25 in
Bernardaud Porcelain Partial Assembled Dinner Service, 45 Pieces
By Bernardaud
Located in Astoria, NY
Bernardaud Porcelain Partial Assembled Dinner Service, comprising: (6) six serving bowls, (7) seven dinner plates, (2) pair of square bowls, (2) pair of wide rim soup bowls, (1) rect...
Porcelain
19th Century Nymphenburg Master Salt Cellars, Pair
By Nymphenburg Porcelain
Located in San Francisco, CA
This pair of Master Salt Cellars has the blue under glaze mark of Nymphenburg. The scenic landscape is hand painted with great detail and skill. Th...
Porcelain
$875Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 1 in Dm 9.75 in
French Provincial Faience Dinnerware Set, 21 Pieces, Agreste Pattern
By Digoin & Sarreguemines
Located in New Orleans, LA
Twenty-One Piece Set of French Provincial faience Dinnerware, early 20th c., by Sarraguemines, Agreste pattern (meaning rural, rustic) consisting of...
Ceramic, Faience
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 ...