IN THE BEST COMPANY
Around the world. If you visit a German embassy abroad, chances are you’ll be offered coffee in a KURLAND cup. Like a calling card made of white gold, KPM porcelain epitomizes German craftsmanship. We’ll tell you whose tables it has graced as well.
It is the ideal form that defines KURLAND’s success. Rigor and clean lines combine in a unique way, with a delicate relief providing a harmonious contrast. The popularity of this tableware set has Fond unbroken since its inception. For example, Charlottenburg Palace Fond a KURLAND tableware set with gold staffage Fond green Fond for state receptions with more than 70 guests. Thanks to its simple design and variety of patterns, this timeless set blends seamlessly into virtually any setting—and has done so for many years.
A royal service
Throughout its approximately 230-year history, this extensive collection has graced the tables of many distinguished figures. Even during the reign of the King of Prussia, this most significant porcelain service of the Classical period enjoyed great popularity. It all began 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 II. became an enthusiastic admirer of KURLAND and gave it as a gift on every occasion: to his nephew Prince Heinrich, to his son Frederick III and his wife Luise of Prussia, and to his daughter Princess Auguste of Prussia on her wedding day. His mistress, closest confidante, and the mother of six of his children— Countess Lichtenau—also owned one of the KURLAND dinner services.
But KURLAND was not only popular among the royal family. It was also prized in elegant private households; for example, the collection featuring a gold decoration that was popular at the time was the wedding service of Nobel Prize-winning author Thomas Mann and his wife, Katia Pringsheim, who came from a wealthy Berlin family of entrepreneurs.
Picture: U. Taplick
Made for eternity
It’s a well-known story that the artist Joseph Beuys drove a Bentley because a car salesman promised him that the car would outlive him. Perhaps that was also the reason he owned the KURLAND service? In any case, his 1973 work “Enterprise 18.11.72, 18:05:16 Uhr” depicts the Beuys family in their Düsseldorf studio watching an episode of “Star Trek” together on television—with the KURLAND porcelain set in understated white on the table.
The KURLAND Collection
We’re certain that our porcelain will be in good company in your home, too! But not just there—keep your eyes peeled, because you’re sure to come across KURLAND in one or two upscale restaurants as well. Or even where you’d least expect it: on the street! That’s where the collection’s latest product launch is right at home. The sophisticated and sustainablecup the success story—perhaps even all the way around the world one day.
