Press release -
Bruun Rasmussen marks 250 years of Royal Copenhagen
Porcelain is a cornerstone of Danish design and cultural history – and a central part of Bruun Rasmussen’s expertise. This year we celebrate the 250th anniversary of Royal Danish Porcelain, which since 1775 has shaped both Danish cultural heritage and international decorative arts. In September, the auction house shines a spotlight on early Royal Copenhagen with an Online Auction featuring some of the factory’s rarest works.
"The story of both artistry and cultural heritage can be read in the early pieces from Royal Copenhagen. They are not just functional objects, but testimonies to a legacy established at a time when porcelain represented both luxury and status. Each bowl, vase, or figure carries the imprint of its creators – from the female decorators at the factory to royal contributions," says Line Hjorth Langkjær, Specialist at Bruun Rasmussen.
From Royal Patronage to National Icon
Royal Copenhagen was founded in 1775 by apothecary Frantz Henrich Müller with the support of the Danish Crown. The early years were marked by experimentation and artistic innovation, with porcelain created in exquisite detail and technical perfection that quickly turned the factory into a national symbol. By the late 18th century, Royal Copenhagen was renowned for its refined forms and intricate decorations, which remain highly sought after among collectors to this day.
Rare Works at Auction
The auction presents examples from this pioneering period. These works mark the beginning of what later became an international breakthrough with underglaze painting under architect Arnold Krog’s artistic leadership in the late 19th century. The collection spans early tableware, rare figurines, writing sets, plaques, and unique objects – including a number of early pieces in the iconic Blue Fluted pattern.
Royal Impressions in Porcelain
The auction also includes royal works: Her Majesty Queen Margrethe personally decorated six bowls with Christmas motifs between 2006 and 2011. In addition, two examples of Princess Marie’s 1901 design of a pygmy hippopotamus are represented. Together with classical works, they demonstrate how porcelain can transcend function to become three-dimensional art on par with painting and sculpture.
A Legacy That Lives On
"Bringing together and presenting the earliest works from Royal Copenhagen is both a professional privilege and a historical responsibility. With this auction, we aim to show how the porcelain was developed from its very beginnings and how it still today stands alongside Danish design icons such as Georg Jensen and Poul Henningsen. At the same time, we want to pass this story on to both new and seasoned collectors in Denmark and abroad – keeping the circulation of early porcelain alive so that more can enjoy it," says Alexandra Nilsson, Specialist at Bruun Rasmussen.
The three wavy lines – symbolizing the Sound, the Great Belt, and the Little Belt – still stand as a guarantee of the artistic and technical excellence that was established back in 1775.
The Online Auction
The Online Auction takes place on 29 September at bruun-rasmussen.dk, with bidding already open. All works can be viewed prior to the sale at exhibitions in Aarhus (Søren Frichs Vej 34D) and Lyngby (Nørgaardsvej 3).
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Bruun Rasmussen has since 1948 sold art, design, jewellery, wristwatches, antiques and collectibles such as wine, books, coins and stamps. As the leading auction house in Denmark, we sell over 75,000 items every year at our Online Auctions at bruun-rasmussen.dk and at Live Auctions at our auction house in Lyngby.
Our specialists are the most experienced and competent in the industry. The work in the auction house places great demands on our knowledge of art and trends on the market. This way, we can provide valuations and advice of the highest quality – which has become our trademark – and thereby offer the best lots from all categories and achieve high hammer prices for the benefit of our customers.
At Bruun Rasmussen, we are one of Europe's most modern and digital auction houses, and it is only natural for us to adapt to changes in the market. Innovation is part of our DNA, while we are also deeply rooted in our history.
In 2022, after having been family-owned through three generations, we became part of the international “Bonhams Network”, expanding our global reach and access to specialists all over the world. We strategically present and sell art where it makes the most sense in relation to potential buyers.
