Lempertz Marks 20th Berlin Auktion with Prussian Porcelain Highlights
The Kölner Auktionshaus Lempertz is set to host the 20th edition of its traditional Berlin Auktion, continuing a spring tradition that began in 2006 as a seasonal opener in the German capital. The auction house, based in Cologne, has established the Berlin Auktion as a key event for objects with Prussian provenance, particularly porcelain, silver, and paintings from the Königliche Porzellanmanufaktur Berlin (KPM).
According to verified information from Lempertz’s official sources, the Berlin Auktion focuses on items linked to Prussia’s historical legacy, with KPM porcelain forming a central part of the offerings. The auction house notes that it collaborates closely across its departments for this event, ensuring a curated presentation of works tied to the Hohenzollern monarchy and its cultural patronage.
The Königliche Porzellanmanufaktur Berlin, founded in 1763 under King Friedrich II (Frederick the Great), remains a focal point of the auction’s historical narrative. After acquiring the insolvent manufactory from merchant Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky, Friedrich II transformed KPM into a instrument of royal self-expression and diplomatic engagement. He commissioned over 20 services with hundreds of individual pieces for his personal use in Hohenzollern palaces, although also ordering dozens of diplomatic gifts sent to European courts.
Lempertz’s verified artist biography confirms that Friedrich II personally supervised KPM’s production and significantly influenced its design language. The manufactory’s signature sceptre mark, introduced during his reign, became a symbol of Prussian absolutism — its uniformly white body and precise decoration reflecting the king’s vision of a “perfect state.” These characteristics continue to define KPM’s reputation in the global art market, where early pieces consistently achieve top prices.
Under Friedrich Wilhelm II, KPM’s development continued with a focus on porcelain sculpture. The manufactory’s modellers and painters received artistic training at the Akademie der Künste, integrating classical forms inspired by Greek antiquity. This educational emphasis ensured that KPM maintained technical excellence while adapting to evolving tastes at the Prussian court.
The upcoming Berlin Auktion will feature works reflecting this legacy, including KPM vases and tableware adorned with views of Berlin landmarks such as the Berliner Schloss. One highlighted lot, a vase depicting the palace after designs by Carl Daniel Freydanck (created between 1849 and 1870), carries an estimated value of 15,000 to 20,000 euros, as noted in the auction’s promotional materials.
Lempertz describes the Berlin Auktion as an “Erfolgsmodell” (success model), marking two decades of bringing Prussian-era art and craftsmanship to the market. The event underscores the enduring appeal of KPM porcelain, not only as historical artifacts but as objects that embody the intersection of art, power, and cultural diplomacy in 18th- and 19th-century Europe.
As the auction approaches, collectors and institutions worldwide prepare to bid on pieces that trace their origins to the workshops of Berlin, where royal ambition once shaped some of Europe’s most refined porcelain. The 20th Berlin Auktion reaffirms Lempertz’s role in preserving and presenting this heritage, connecting modern audiences with the material culture of Prussia’s golden age.
For those following the event, updates on results and highlights from the Berlin Auktion will be available through Lempertz’s official channels after the auction concludes. The next scheduled edition of the Berlin Auktion is expected to continue the spring tradition, though specific dates for future installments have not been announced in currently verified sources.
Those interested in the intersection of sports history and cultural heritage may note that events like the Berlin Auktion, while not athletic in nature, reflect the broader human pursuit of excellence — a theme resonant across disciplines, from the precision of a master porcelain painter to the discipline of an Olympic athlete. Archysport will continue to cover stories where dedication, legacy, and craftsmanship converge, whether on the field or in the auction house.
As always, readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on how historical craftsmanship inspires modern achievement in sports, and beyond. Join the conversation by commenting below or sharing this article with others who appreciate the stories behind exceptional human endeavor.
