Vienna Porcelain
(1718-1864)
Europe’s second-oldest porcelain manufactory, renowned for innovation and imperial patronage
The Vienna Porcelain Manufactory, founded in 1718, was Europe’s second-oldest porcelain producer after Meissen. Established in Alsergrund, Vienna, it became celebrated for producing some of the finest hard-paste porcelain in Europe until its closure in 1864. Today, collectors often refer to these works as “Old Vienna” porcelain or Alt Wien.
Early Years – The Du Paquier Period (1718–1744)
The manufactory was founded by Claudius Innocentius du Paquier, who succeeded in discovering the secret of porcelain-making by enticing craftsmen from Meissen. Du Paquier was granted an imperial monopoly by Emperor Karl VI, making his workshop the sole producer of porcelain in Vienna. Unlike other European manufactories, Du Paquier’s venture was a private enterprise, often underfunded but admired for its originality and vibrant decorative styles.
The Imperial State Manufactory (1744–1784)
In 1744, the factory was taken over by Empress Maria Theresa and renamed the Imperial State Manufactory Vienna. During this “Plastic period,” porcelain figures and Rococo-inspired wares flourished. The factory expanded production and began exporting pieces widely, including to the Ottoman Empire, where brightly coloured coffee cups and services became highly fashionable.
Close up of a vienna style beehive mark on a cup available in our CERAMICS collection at jacksons antique
The Sorgenthal Period (1784–1805)
Under the directorship of Konrad von Sorgenthal, Vienna porcelain reached new artistic heights. Inspired by Neoclassicism and influenced by Sèvres porcelain, the factory produced elegant, finely painted works enriched with lavish gilding. These included tableware, vases, and figurative pieces often used as diplomatic gifts across Europe. The Congress of Vienna (1815) brought international attention, cementing Vienna’s porcelain reputation among royalty and aristocracy.
Biedermeier to Late Biedermeier (1805–1864)
During the 19th century, Vienna porcelain adapted to changing tastes. The Biedermeier period introduced simpler forms and decoration, while the Late Biedermeier period saw heavier shapes and naturalistic motifs. Despite continued exports to the Ottoman Empire, the manufactory faced growing competition from Bohemian porcelain factories. By the 1860s, demand declined, and the Austrian parliament closed the manufactory in 1864. Its moulds and equipment were transferred to the Museum of Applied Arts, Vienna (MAK), where they remain an important archive of design.
Vienna style cup and saucer available in our CERAMICS collection at jacksons antique
Legacy and Augarten Revival
Vienna porcelain is still highly prized by collectors, with early Du Paquier and Sorgenthal period works regarded as the most valuable. The tradition was revived in 1923 with the founding of the Vienna Porcelain Manufactory Augarten, which embraced the Art Deco movement and continues to produce porcelain in Vienna today.
Characteristics and Marks
Vienna porcelain is distinguished by its hard-paste body, intricate hand-painted decoration, and frequent use of gold. Subjects ranged from floral sprays and chinoiserie to mythological and classical scenes. From 1744 onwards, pieces were marked with the famous “beehive” shield, one of the most recognisable porcelain marks in Europe.
Vienna porcelain remains a cornerstone of European decorative arts, valued for its fine quality, distinctive designs, and historical importance.