MANUFACTURA Pirkenhammer: History

Pirkenhammer is a trade mark of porcelain, produced in Březová, Karlovy Vary, since 1803. The production was started by Freidrich Höcke from Weimar, East Germany. This German tradesman didn't set long-term goals for himself. He built two small kilns, hired craftsmen from Thuringia, and started manufacturing tableware and tobacco-pipes.

In 1811 Höcke managed to sell his declining business to Johan Martin Fischer from Erfurt and Christopher Reichenbach from Březová. New owners modified the manufactory and soon appeared to be producing proper coffee and dining sets, copying Saxon design. On June 21, 1822 the manufactory was granted a license of national porcelain manufacturer. After Fischer dying in 1824, the business had been run by both, his wife and Reichenbach, till Fischer's son Christian attained his majority.

By that time Pirkenhammer porcelain considered the best in Bohemia. It was mostly valued for its superior translucency. Pirkenhammer porcelain became as good as the French one. In 1828 Christian Fischer and Christopher Reichenbach took part in the first Fair that happened in Prague, exposing a number of decorated vases. The second Fair in Prague brought Pirkenhammer a bronze medal. The committee had noted the purity of material, elegant shapes, high quality of decoration and gilding.

After Medical Department of Vienna proved it purely healthy to use metal and copper print for decoration of the porcelain, Pirkenhammer was granted a privilege to employ this technology on and under glaze.

In 1831 Christian Fischer took over a direction of the manufactory. Two years later he married Emma Karolina von Mieg from Ludwigsburg. Christian Fischer was well educated for his profession. The manufactory prospered under his direction. He attentively observed practice of the National Manufactory in Sévres, France, that he considered as a model.

The Vienna Fair in 1835 brought Pirkenhammer bronze medal, and four years later the gold one. In the protocol of the Fair committee was underlined 'a good taste in shape, clear body, smooth glaze, and high quality of printing'. Achievements of Christian Fischer were expanded by Fair committee making him one of its members in 1845. This prestigious position, nevertheless deprived Pirkenhammer from being nominated.

In 1846 technical director Reichenbach retired. In 1852 he sold his share to Fischer for 110 thousand guldens. In the same year Fischer's daughter Wilhelmine married her cousin Ludwig von Mieg, who became a co-owner of the manufactory. Since than the company was called 'Fischer and Mieg'.

Christian Fischer was a true founder of Březová design and manufacturing tradition. Instead of copying Saxon porcelain designs in shape and decoration, he established his own tradition and developed his own style. He rejected to invite Saxon craftsmen from Thuringia as other factories did, and mostly relied on local workers.

Ludwig von Mieg, from his part, made a considerable impact on development of the manufactory. He had a feeling for market trends. He recognized the demand for high quality china ware, and spotted the niche for expensive well decorated porcelain. Efforts of both Fisher and Mieg made porcelain business of Březová to flourish acquiring its world reputation.

One of the most talented painters who worked for Pirkenhammer was André Carriére. This French artist was determining Pirkenhammer style since 1868. In 1874 the manufactory opened his studio in Paris, where Carriére worked as the only decoration designer for Březová.