KPM Berlin figurines represent the pinnacle of German porcelain artistry, with a heritage spanning over 275 years of royal patronage and uncompromising craftsmanship. Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin (Royal Porcelain Manufactory Berlin) stands as one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious porcelain houses, producing exquisite figurines that combine technical mastery with refined artistic sensibility.
From neoclassical beauties to whimsical animals and contemporary sculptures, KPM Berlin figurines showcase the evolution of German ceramic art through centuries of changing tastes and techniques.
In this blog, we will explore KPM Berlin's history, authentication methods for identifying genuine pieces, and the most collectible figurine series and modellers.
The History of KPM Berlin
In 1763, Frederick the Great of Prussia acquired Wilhelm Kaspar Wegely's struggling porcelain manufactory and transformed it into a royal enterprise. The king's ambition was clear: to establish a German porcelain house that could rival Meissen and the finest European manufacturers. Under royal patronage, the newly christened Königliche
Porzellan-Manufaktur flourished, attracting talented artisans and modellers who created works worthy of the Prussian court.
From its inception, KPM Berlin distinguished itself through technical excellence and artistic sophistication. The manufacturer developed distinctive paste formulations and glaze techniques that gave its porcelain a characteristic brilliant white colour and translucency. Early production focused on tableware and decorative objects for the royal household, but figurine production soon became a cornerstone of KPM's reputation.
The late 18th and early 19th centuries marked KPM Berlin's neoclassical period, when it produced elegant figurines inspired by classical antiquity. Working under the influence of the Berlin school of sculpture, KPM's modellers created graceful figures that reflected Enlightenment ideals of beauty and proportion. These pieces showcased the manufactory's technical prowess—achieving delicate details, smooth surfaces, and subtle colouring that became KPM hallmarks.
Throughout the 19th century, KPM Berlin maintained its position as Prussia's premier porcelain house, adapting to changing artistic movements while preserving traditional quality standards. The company survived political upheavals, including the fall of the Prussian monarchy and two world wars, emerging each time with its reputation intact. In 1918, following Germany's defeat in World War I and the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II, KPM transitioned from royal to state ownership, yet continued to use the sceptre mark that had denoted royal provenance since 1763.
KPM Berlin Figurines Through the Centuries
KPM Berlin figurines encompass a remarkable range of subjects and styles, reflecting nearly three centuries of artistic evolution while maintaining consistently high quality standards.
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Neoclassical Period (1760s-1820s): Early KPM Berlin figurines drew heavily from classical mythology and antiquity. Graceful maidens, classical deities, and allegorical subjects dominated production. Modellers like the brothers Friedrich Elias Meyer and Wilhelm Christian Meyer created elegant figures characterized by refined proportions, flowing drapery, and serene expressions. These neoclassical pieces established KPM's reputation for sophisticated porcelain sculpture.
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Romantic Era (1820s-1860s): As Romanticism swept through Europe, KPM Berlin's figurines reflected the movement's emphasis on emotion, nature, and storytelling. Figurines depicted pastoral scenes, literary characters, and sentimental subjects. The manufactory's technical mastery allowed for increasingly complex compositions featuring multiple figures, elaborate costumes, and intricate details.
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Late 19th Century (1860s-1900): This period saw KPM Berlin produce figurines spanning various styles, from historicist pieces reviving earlier aesthetics to naturalistic animal sculptures. The animal figurines, particularly horses, dogs, and birds, demonstrated keen observation of anatomy and movement combined with artistic refinement.
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Art Nouveau and Early 20th Century (1900-1930s): KPM Berlin adapted to Art Nouveau's flowing lines and organic forms while maintaining its characteristic elegance. Figurines from this period often featured graceful female figures, stylized animals, and decorative subjects that reflected contemporary tastes without abandoning classical refinement.
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Modern Period (1950s-Present): Post-war KPM Berlin continued producing both archival models and contemporary designs. The company collaborated with modern artists and designers to create figurines that interpreted traditional subjects through contemporary sensibilities. Limited editions and artist-signed pieces became increasingly important to the company's output, appealing to collectors of both historical and modern porcelain.
Identifying and Authenticating KPM Berlin Figurines
Authentication of KPM Berlin figurines requires careful examination of marks, quality indicators, and stylistic characteristics. KPM's long history and consistent quality make proper identification essential for collectors.
KPM Berlin Marks and Dating
The KPM Berlin mark is one of the most consistent and recognizable in European porcelain, though subtle variations help date pieces accurately.
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The Sceptre Mark: Since 1763, KPM Berlin has used the Prussian sceptre as its primary mark. This underglaze blue mark, depicting a sceptre with an orb and cross at the top, appears on virtually all genuine KPM pieces. The consistency of this mark across centuries is unusual among European porcelain manufacturers and reflects KPM's continuous operation under consistent ownership.
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KPM Letters: In addition to the sceptre, most pieces include the letters "KPM" (Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur). The style and placement of these letters can help date pieces. Earlier pieces may have impressed "KPM" marks, while later pieces typically feature printed marks.
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Orb Mark: Some KPM Berlin figurines also bear the Prussian orb (Reichsapfel) mark, particularly pieces from the royal period. This mark, showing an orb topped with a cross, was used in conjunction with the sceptre on select pieces.
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Model Numbers: KPM assigned model numbers to figurines, typically impressed on the base. These numbers correspond to records in KPM's archives and help identify specific designs, their creators, and production periods.
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Artist Signatures: Many KPM Berlin figurines bear signatures or initials of the modeller or decorator. Notable modellers' marks significantly enhance value and provide authentication. Common signatures include those of the Meyer brothers, Paul Scheurich, and other distinguished KPM artists.
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Date Codes: Some periods of KPM production included date codes or year marks that help pinpoint manufacturing dates. Reference guides specific to KPM marks are valuable tools for serious collectors.
Other Authenticity Indicators
Authentic KPM Berlin figurines display exceptional craftsmanship. The porcelain should be fine-grained, brilliantly white, and highly translucent. KPM's glazing is characteristically smooth and even, with a subtle sheen rather than high gloss. Hand-painted decoration should be precise and delicate, with colours that remain vibrant without appearing garish.
The weight and feel of KPM porcelain is distinctive—pieces feel substantial yet refined, never crude or heavy. Details like facial features, fingers, and drapery folds should be sharply defined, reflecting the skill of KPM's modellers and the quality of the porcelain paste.
Popular KPM Berlin Figurines and Notable Modellers
Several KPM Berlin modellers and figurine types have achieved legendary status among collectors.
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Friedrich Elias Meyer and Wilhelm Christian Meyer: These brothers, working in the late 18th century, created some of KPM's most celebrated neoclassical figurines. Their elegant classical maidens, mythological figures, and allegorical subjects set the standard for refined porcelain sculpture. Meyer brothers' figurines remain highly sought after by collectors of 18th-century European porcelain.
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Paul Scheurich: One of the most important 20th-century porcelain modellers, Scheurich worked for KPM in the 1920s and 1930s, creating Art Deco figurines that captured the era's elegance and sophistication. His dancers, fashionable ladies, and graceful compositions are among the most collectible KPM figurines from the interwar period.
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Animal Figurines: Throughout its history, KPM Berlin has produced outstanding animal sculptures. Horses, particularly, demonstrate the manufactory's ability to capture strength, grace, and anatomical accuracy. Dogs, birds, and other animals rendered with naturalistic detail remain popular with collectors.
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Mythological and Allegorical Figures: Classical subjects have been KPM staples since the 18th century. Figurines depicting Greek and Roman deities, muses, and allegorical representations of virtues or seasons showcase the manufactory's commitment to classical aesthetics and technical excellence.
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Portrait Figurines: KPM Berlin created figurines depicting historical figures, literary characters, and contemporary personalities. These pieces combined portraiture accuracy with the manufacturer's characteristic refinement.
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Limited Editions and Modern Collaborations: Contemporary KPM Berlin produces limited-edition figurines in collaboration with living artists and designers. These pieces, often accompanied by certificates of authenticity and documentation, appeal to collectors interested in modern interpretations of porcelain sculpture.
Vintage Figurines at Around the Block
The enduring appeal of KPM Berlin figurines lies in their technical perfection and classical refinement. These pieces represent German craftsmanship at its finest, combining artistic sophistication with the kind of quality that only centuries of continuous production can achieve. Whether you appreciate neoclassical elegance, Art Deco glamour, or contemporary interpretations of porcelain sculpture, KPM Berlin offers collectors works that stand as benchmarks of ceramic art.
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