Russian Porcelain: The Five Most Famous Porcelain Houses

We know that porcelain has always been in high demand,however, to our shame, we did not know that Russian porcelain at one time had almost worldwide fame. With this material we rehabilitate ourselves and fill in the gaps

In our magazine we publish quite oftenmaterials about new products of Western and European porcelain manufactures, but we know almost nothing about the history of our native Russian porcelain. The owner of the antique gallery "Lermontov" Denis Isakov helped us fill in the gaps. Denis Isakov, owner of the antique gallery "Lermontov"

Graduated from the Philosophy Department of Lomonosov Moscow State University (2011), and has been professionally involved in antiques since 2008. lermontovgallery.ru

— The very first porcelain products were called “white”gold" and were kept only in treasuries. Although with the development of porcelain production, magnificent white cups and saucers became available not only to royal persons, elite porcelain could still only be afforded by important persons. Today, in the era of practical plastic tableware, porcelain antiques from famous Russian factories can become a real pearl of any table.

The peculiarity of antique porcelain sets, vasesor figurines is that they do not depend on fashion trends and to this day speak eloquently about the wealth of their owner. Time has no power over porcelain - products made of this material are capable of performing their functions for decades, because they are highly durable and are not affected by microorganisms. Luxurious antique porcelain dishes retain heat perfectly, preserve the taste and aroma of dishes, so they are perfect for serving a modern table both on weekdays and on special occasions. And miniature figurines made of snow-white porcelain will organically fit into any type of interior. Imperial Porcelain Factory

The Imperial Porcelain Factory (IPF) isa legendary factory, where the history of porcelain production in Russia began. It was the IPF that produced unique items that made Russian craftsmen so famous. Collectors from all over the world show great interest in antique porcelain from the IPF, which largely explains the six-zero prices for porcelain from Russian tsars.Plate from the Cabinet service. IFZ. 1883

Since the IPF produced porcelain forthe imperial court, there was no need to adapt to the mood of the masses. Thanks to this, the quality and artistic value of porcelain from this factory were the highest. Magnificent service sets, the number of items in which could reach a thousand, gained particular popularity.Fruit vase from the Kremlin service. IPM. 1838Flower pots. IPF. The reign of Alexander IIPlate with a cut edge. IPF. Second quarter of the 19th centuryPlate from a noble service. IPF. First half of the 19th century

Brief information about the plant.The IPF was founded in St. Petersburg under the name Nevskaya Porcelain Manufactory in 1744. The factory produced unique sets with a huge number of items, magnificent vases, dishes, sculptures, porcelain busts and much more. It continues to operate successfully to this day, maintaining production in full.

Secrets of success of IPF porcelain.The success of the enterprise began with the dedicated efforts of D. I. Vinogradov in establishing production. The constant control of the imperial court, the desire of Catherine II to provide the entire country with porcelain and constant investment of funds turned the IPF into the best porcelain manufactory in Russia. The wide popularity of porcelain was also facilitated by the focus on the best craftsmen, advanced technologies, and the initially high artistic standards. Kornilov Plant

At the end of the 19th century, porcelain was created at the factoryKornilov brothers, surpassed the best porcelain of the IPF in Russia in all respects. It was distinguished by the impeccable whiteness of the body, the perfection of molding and glaze, the originality of forms and the magnificence of painting. However, Kornilov porcelain was very expensive, so it was not in mass demand, which determines its significant collector's value. Antique Kornilov porcelain, once available only to the upper classes, is very expensive today and is a worthy example of any collection.Pair of neo-rococo vases. Kornilov factory. 1884–1900sPlate from the series "Peoples of Russia". Kornilov factory. Mid-19th centuryTwo sockets. Kornilov factory. XIX centuryTable lamp. Kornilov factory. Russia, Saint PetersburgDecorative vase. Kornilov factory. 19th century

Brief information about the plant.The Kornilov factory was founded in 1835 in St. Petersburg. It produced tableware, vases, souvenirs, icons, church utensils, porcelain toys, flowers and much more, supplying porcelain to the imperial court and selling it in its stores abroad. In 1918, the enterprise was nationalized and re-equipped into the Proletary plant.

Secrets of the success of Kornilov porcelain.The main secret of the plant's success can be considered the unity and interest in the success of the production of the entire Kornilov family. They relied on the best craftsmen and the latest technologies, the acquisition of the best raw materials and paints for painting, which ensured the highest quality of porcelain products. The range of products was huge and varied in the forms, styles and techniques used. Popov Plant

Porcelain factory of merchant A.G.Popov appeared in Russia at the beginning of the 19th century and in a short time became one of the best enterprises of its time for the production of porcelain. The products of the plant were very popular both among the aristocracy and among the common people, which was due to the desire of the manufacturer to create original high-quality porcelain.Decanter "Flowers". Popov Factory. Russia

Starting with simple imitation, the factory mastersOver time, Popov developed his own porcelain composition and created unique forms, which allowed the company to compete with famous porcelain factories in Russia.Glass with lid and saucer with a view of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower. Popov Factory. 1850s

The particular success of Popov's porcelain was facilitated byopening of a laboratory for the production of paints. The manufactory became the first in Russia where they decided to create such a laboratory and as a result obtained a rare color range.Tea set. Popov factory. Mid-19th centuryChinoiserie style plate. Popov factory. First half of the 19th century

Neat porcelain figurines, cups, vases withTheir special coloring quickly attracted the attention of connoisseurs of porcelain elegance, so that the masters of the Popov factory gained fame, and today the antique porcelain of this factory is highly valued.Statuette "Dancer". Popov Factory. Mid-19th century

Brief information about the plant.The Popov Factory was built in the village of Gorbunovo in the Moscow province and bought by A. G. Popov in 1811. The plant produced expensive dinnerware, vases, tavern dishes, figurines, porcelain utensils for the home and had more than 250 employees. It was closed in 1875 due to the unsuccessful management of the business by the heirs.

Secrets of success of Popov porcelain. A. G.Popov was a great enthusiast, which forced him to constantly experiment. The factory created its own porcelain forms and recipes, and developed a unique color range of paints for painting in its own laboratory. This made it possible to create original works for people of different income levels. Batenin Factory

Batenin's plant is considered one of the most significantporcelain factories of its time. In the 19th century, many dreamed of buying porcelain from the famous Imperial Porcelain Factory, but could not afford it. Realizing that this was a free niche, F. Batenin set up production of inexpensive porcelain, outwardly similar to the products of famous porcelain factories. It was characterized by abundant gilding, bright colors, popular shapes and decor. The price for cheapness was that the gilding quickly wore off, but this did not hinder the great success of Batenin's porcelain.Tea set with a mythological plot. Batenin factory. 1812-1832Tea set with floral painting. Batenin factory. 1814-1832Coffee set. Batenin factory. 1830sTray with a mythological plot. Batenin factory. 1820sTeapot with mythological scenes. Batenin factory. 1820s

Today, collectors are eager to buy not only the factory's ceremonial porcelain antiques, but also simple tableware that has survived in small quantities.

Brief information about the plant.The Batenin factory appeared in St. Petersburg in 1811. Its main focus was the production of tableware and porcelain for everyday life. In 1838, the factory premises were destroyed by fire, and the products themselves were sold until 1839.

Secrets of the success of Batenin porcelain.The factory owner focused on middle-class clients, making production as cheap as possible. He managed to organically combine cheapness and the rich appearance of porcelain. The products were created with great skill, were colorful and reflected fashionable themes, which became the reason for the great popularity of Batenin porcelain. Yusupov Factory

Prince Yusupov's porcelain has a special origin.While other manufacturers were driven by commercial interests, the collector Yusupov created a porcelain painting workshop solely to replenish his rich collection of works of art, as well as to present gifts to important people.Coffee service "tête-à-tête". Yusupov factory. 1826Cup and saucer with landscapes in medallions. Yusupov Factory. 1820sCup and saucer with floral ornament. Yusupov factory. 1820s

For antique porcelain sets by Yusupovis characterized by beautiful ornamental painting, originality, rich high-quality gilding and skillful miniatures. His tableware adorned Russian palaces and the collections of eminent nobles. Yusupov's antique porcelain is highly valued, but it is rarely found on sale.Tea and coffee pair with yellow lid. Yusupov factory. 1818-1820Plate with a branch of rose hips. Yusupov factory. 1826

Brief information about the plant.The factory was founded by Prince Yusupov in 1818 in the Arkhangelskoye estate near Moscow. It mainly produced tableware for noble persons, distinguished by great skill. In 1831, the enterprise had to be closed due to the death of the owner.

Secrets of success of Yusupov porcelain.The main secret of Yusupov porcelain can be considered the prince's desire to create unique, highly artistic porcelain. His workshop was free from the commercial race, which allowed him to create truly unique works. The prosperity of the plant was also facilitated by the invitation of the talented master of the Sevres Manufactory Lambert, work with high-quality materials and the presence of his own large collection of paintings and graphics, which were reproduced on porcelain.

Antique porcelain is not just meant to decorate shelvesmuseums. As in the past, it is able to charm, inspire and surprise with its rich history, which is why it attracts the attention of people of all ages. Antique porcelain will continue to remain out of fashion and time and can become an excellent heirloom for any family.

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