Kaiserlich Privilegierte Porcellain Fabrique

Biography:

The Vienna Porcelain Manufactory was founded in 1718 by Claude du Paquier. It was Europe's second-oldest porcelain factory after Meissen porcelain and for 25 years the two remained the only European producers. Initially it was a private enterprise, but in 1744 it was rescued from financial difficulties when bought by the Empress Maria Theresa, and thereafter remained an asset of the emperors. The wares from the earlier, private period before 1744 are the most sought-after today, if only because production was lower and so the pieces are much more rare. These are often called Du Paquier porcelain from the Du Paquier factory. The other high point of the factory's production was from 1784 to 1805 when a variety of innovative wares in broadly Neoclassical styles were produced, then with Sèvres porcelain the main influence. Wares were used as diplomatic gifts by the emperors and exports to Turkey were significant.