Royal Copenhagen - Vase - Ceramic

Royal Copenhagen vase in excellent condition.
Period 1894 - 1900

18 cm high
11 cm deep

Weight: 490 g

Diameter of opening at the top: 4 cm
Bottom surface: 5 cm


Royal Copenhagen at a glance

Manufacturer: Royal Porcelain Factory, Copenhagen, Denmark
Established: 1775
Country: Denmark
Known for: Hand-painted porcelain, figurines, animals, birds, dinnerware and decorative pieces
Recognizable by: Three blue waves, royal crown and painter’s mark
Collection areas: Figurines, animals, birds, vases, dinnerware, patterns and decorative porcelain

Pieces of Royal Copenhagen are often identifiable by the combination of the factory mark, model number, decoration number and painter’s mark.

However, identifying a piece is only the first step. Rarity, subject, designer, condition, provenance and current collector demand can all influence value.

What is Royal Copenhagen?

Royal Copenhagen is the common name for the Danish Royal Porcelain Factory, established in Copenhagen in 1775 under royal patronage.

The famous three blue waves of the factory have been used as a trademark from the start. According to Royal Copenhagen, the three waves represent three major Danish waterways: the Sound, the Great Belt and the Little Belt.

The royal connection is also reflected by the crown on the Royal Copenhagen marks.

Throughout its long history, the factory has produced an extraordinary range of porcelain, from functional dinnerware to very detailed decorative figurines.

A short history of Royal Copenhagen

The Royal Porcelain Factory was founded in 1775 in Copenhagen.

From the early years, the factory earned a reputation for high-quality porcelain and very skilled decoration. The three blue waves became the characteristic factory mark, while the royal crown reflected the factory’s link to the Danish monarchy.

The factory’s history includes countless periods of changing tastes, techniques and artistic influences. As a result, Royal Copenhagen porcelain can look remarkably different depending on when it was produced and which artist or designer was responsible for the piece.

The factory also developed an extensive repertoire of patterns, figures and decorative forms.

For collectors, this long history is particularly important because the age and production period of a piece can help determine its identity and desirability.

How do you recognize Royal Copenhagen porcelain?

One of the key things to examine when identifying Royal Copenhagen porcelain is the bottom of the piece.

Royal Copenhagen states that their porcelain carries factory marks, including the three blue waves, the royal mark and the painter’s mark. The company also provides a historical overview of the marks on the bottom to help determine when pieces were produced.

You may encounter several markings on the bottom of a piece, including:

The three blue waves

The three blue waves are the most recognizable symbol of Royal Copenhagen.

They have been linked to the company since its founding and remain one of the defining features of Royal Copenhagen porcelain.

The royal crown

The crown represents the royal origin of the factory.

The appearance of the crown has changed over time, which means the mark can provide useful clues when dating a piece. Royal Copenhagen notes that the crown was initially hand-painted before the company started to stamp it under glaze in the 1870s.

The painter’s mark

Royal Copenhagen porcelain was traditionally hand-painted, and each painter had their own mark.

These marks can sometimes help identify the person responsible for the decoration of a particular piece. Royal Copenhagen describes the painter’s mark as akin to a personal handwriting that reflects the work of the individual craftsman.

Model numbers

A model number is another particularly useful feature.

Royal Copenhagen produced thousands of different models, and the number can help precisely identify what a figurine, vase or other object is.

For collectors and auctioneers, identifying the model can be much more useful than simply describing something as a "Royal Copenhagen figurine."

Marks and stamps of Royal Copenhagen

The Royal Copenhagen mark is one of the most important aspects in collecting and identifying this porcelain.

However, there is much more to discover about Royal Copenhagen marks than just the three blue waves.

The factory stamps have changed over the course of history, and the combination of marks can provide clues about the period in which an object was produced. Royal Copenhagen itself maintains a historical overview of its stamps.

Other information that can be found on the bottom includes:

Factory marks
The royal crown
Three blue waves
Painter’s marks
Model numbers
Decoration numbers
Other production or identification marks
Our guide to Royal Copenhagen marks and stamps goes deeper into these marks, including how to use them to date and identify Royal Copenhagen porcelain.

Model numbers and decoration numbers of Royal Copenhagen

Model numbers of Royal Copenhagen are particularly valuable when researching individual pieces.

A model number can identify the exact form or figure, while a decoration number may refer to the pattern or decoration applied.

For example, pieces seen in a recent Potteries Auctions sale included:

Doe with foal no. 4698
Shetland pony no. 4611
Coot with ducklings no. 3194
Coot no. 3263
French bulldog no. 1457
Setter with a pheasant no. 1533
Woman feeding a calf no. 779
Boy with a calf no. 772
Amager girls reading no. 1395
Amager girl mending socks no. 1314
Finding a model number can therefore be one of the quickest ways to move from a general identification to a specific piece.

When researching a Royal Copenhagen item, photograph not only the front and sides but also the bottom. The information on the base can be as important as the appearance of the porcelain itself.

Royal Copenhagen vases

Royal Copenhagen is not only known for figurines.

The factory produced a huge variety of porcelain vases, many of which were beautifully painted with floral and botanical motifs.

Recent lots at Potteries Auctions include vases decorated with:

Wildflowers
Butterflies
Brambles
Winter bloom
Bluebell
Swallows
Other floral and botanical motifs
Vases can be particularly interesting because decoration, form, model number and painter all contribute to their appeal.

Royal Copenhagen patterns

Royal Copenhagen has produced many famous porcelain patterns and decorative styles over the years.

Some are immediately recognizable, while others are far more specialized.

The best-known designs include classic blue-and-white patterns, as well as highly detailed floral and botanical decorations.

Among the patterns and styles collectors may encounter are:

Blue-rimmed plain
Blue-rimmed half-lace
Blue-rimmed full lace
Flora Danica
Blue flower
Musselmalet
Floral and botanical decorations
Figurative and naturalistic decorations
Different patterns can appeal to very different collectors, and popularity is not necessarily correlated with age.

Designers and artists of Royal Copenhagen

The designers and artists associated with Royal Copenhagen form an important part of the brand’s collecting history.

Individual artists created distinctive figures, and the designer’s name can sometimes provide valuable information about the appeal of a particular piece.

An example is Jeanne Grut, who designed numerous animal figures for Royal Copenhagen.

The two horses sold by Potteries Auctions – Mare with foal no. 4698 and Shetland pony no. 4611 – were both designed by Grut and fetched £150.

Other designers and artists associated with Royal Copenhagen include Ada Bonfils and Sterett Kelsey, whose work was also seen in our recent sale.

As with model numbers and marks, the artist should be considered in conjunction with the subject, condition and rarity, not as a standalone value indicator.

What is Royal Copenhagen worth?

There is no single fixed value for Royal Copenhagen porcelain.

A small vase can sell for a relatively modest amount, while a rare or highly sought-after figurine can fetch significantly higher bids.

Factors that can influence the value of Royal Copenhagen include:

1. Model
The exact model can make a substantial difference.

2. Rarity
Hard-to-find pieces can attract collectors who want to complete a particular collection.

3. Subject
Certain figures, animals, birds and decorative subjects may be more appealing than others.

4. Designer
The identity and reputation of the artist or designer can affect collector interest.

5. Condition
Chipping, cracks, restorations, damages and missing parts can significantly affect value.

6. Age
Older does not automatically mean more valuable, but the production period can be important in valuing a piece.

7. Provenance
Documented history or interesting provenance can sometimes increase appeal.

8. Current collector demand
Ultimately, auction prices reflect what buyers are willing to pay at a given moment.

How do you value Royal Copenhagen porcelain?

If you have inherited Royal Copenhagen porcelain, purchased pieces from an antique shop, or discovered a collection you want to sell, identifying the individual pieces is the best first step.

Note:

The mark — Photograph the entire bottom.
The model number — This can be one of the most useful data.
The decoration or pattern number — Note any additional numbers.
The painter’s mark — Look for small marks or signatures.
The condition — Check carefully for chips, cracks, repairs and restorations.
The dimensions — Height and width can help distinguish similar models.
The provenance — Keep all documents or information about the piece’s provenance.
A professional appraiser can then take these factors into account, along with market knowledge and past auction results.

Read our upcoming Royal Copenhagen Value Guide for a more detailed overview of the factors that influence value and examples of achieved prices.

Is Royal Copenhagen porcelain a good investment?

Royal Copenhagen is highly sought after by collectors, but it’s important not to assume that every piece will increase in value simply because it is old or carries the Royal Copenhagen brand.

The market is driven by collector demand.

Some patterns and models are readily available, while others are far more scarce. The condition of the piece also plays a major role.

Therefore, the most useful question is usually not simply:
"How old is my Royal Copenhagen?"
but:
"What exactly do I have, how rare is it, and what are collectors currently willing to pay for it?"

Frequently asked questions about Royal Copenhagen

Is Royal Copenhagen valuable?
Some Royal Copenhagen pieces are valuable, while others are relatively common. Value depends on factors such as model, rarity, condition, designer, subject and current collector demand.

How can I tell if my Royal Copenhagen is authentic?
Start by examining the bottom for the three blue waves, crown, painter’s mark and other identifying information from Royal Copenhagen. Marks should however be considered in conjunction with the piece itself and other identifying features.

What do the three waves on Royal Copenhagen mean?
The three blue waves are the factory’s famous trademark and represent three major Danish waterways: the Sound, the Great Belt and the Little Belt.

Where is the model number on Royal Copenhagen?
The model number is generally on the bottom of the piece, although exact markings and placement can vary.

Are old Royal Copenhagen pieces valuable?
Not necessarily. Age is only one factor. A relatively modern but sought-after model can sometimes attract more interest than an older, more common piece.

Which Royal Copenhagen figurines are the most valuable?
There is no definitive list, as auction prices vary depending on rarity, condition, subject, designer and market demand. Incredibly rare or desirable figurines can attract strong competition.

Should I sell Royal Copenhagen as a collection or individually?
That depends on what you have. Pairs, related figurines and collections can sometimes appeal to specialized collectors, while particularly sought-after individual pieces may do better sold separately.

A specialized auctioneer can advise you on the best approach.

Royal Copenhagen at Potteries Auctions

Potteries Auctions has specialist experience in ceramics, porcelain and collectibles, and Royal Copenhagen is one of the many manufacturers represented in our Fine Art and specialist sales.

Our recent results for Royal Copenhagen demonstrate the range of material that can come to market—from finely modeled animals and birds to character figurines and decorative vases.

If you own Royal Copenhagen porcelain and would like professional advice on identification, value or sale, contact Potteries Auctions for an appraisal.

Request a free auction appraisal for your Royal Copenhagen


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The Complete Guide to Royal Copenhagen Porcelain

11 AUGUST 2026
DAVE SPENCE

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