IN THE BEST COMPANY
Once around the world. If you visit a German embassy abroad, you may well be offered a coffee in a KURLAND. As a calling card made of white gold, KPM porcelain is representative of craftsmanship made in Germany. We'll tell you whose other tables it has graced.
It is the ideal shape that makes KURLAND so successful. Rigor and straight lines combine in a unique way, with a delicate relief forming a harmonious contrast. The popularity of the service has been unbroken since its creation. Charlottenburg Palace, for example, has a KURLAND with gold staffage and a green Fond for state receptions with more than 70 participants. Thanks to its simple design and the variety of decors, the timeless service fits into almost any ambience - and not just since today.
A royal service
In its 230-year history, the extensive collection has adorned the tables of many outstanding personalities. The most important porcelain service of classicism enjoyed great popularity even in the time of the Prussian king. Starting with the eponymous Duke of Kurland, Peter von Biron, who commissioned it from KPM for his new Berlin residence, Friedrichsfelde Palace. The nephew and successor of Frederick the Great, Frederick William II., became an enthusiastic supporter of KURLAND and gave it as a gift on every occasion: to his nephew Prince Henry, to his son Frederick William III and his wife Luise of Prussia and to his daughter Princess Auguste of Prussia for her wedding. His mistress, closest confidante and mother of six of his children, Countess Lichtenau, also owned one of the KURLAND.
However, KURLAND was not only popular with the royal family. It was also appreciated in stylish private households; for example, the collection with its then popular gold decoration was the wedding service of Nobel Prize winner Thomas Mann and his wife Katia Pringsheim, who came from a wealthy Berlin business family.
Picture: U. Taplick
Made for eternity
It is a well-known story that the artist Joseph Beuys drove a Bentley because a car salesman promised him that this car would outlast him. Perhaps that was also the reason why he also owned the KURLAND service? In any case, his work "Enterprise 18.11.72, 18:05:16" from 1973 shows the Beuys family in the Düsseldorf studio watching an episode of "Star Trek" on television together - with the KURLAND in restrained white on the table.
The KURLAND collection
We are sure that our porcelain will also be in good company in your home! But not only there, keep your eyes open, because you are sure to come across KURLAND in one or two upmarket restaurants. Or even where you wouldn't expect it: on the street! That's where the latest product launch of the collection is at home. The sophisticated and sustainable to-go cup continues the success story - perhaps even around the world.
