Royal Copenhagen - Vase - 1227 - Ceramic

Vaas by Royal Copenhagen

In very good condition, except for a small chip on the bottom at the front.
Ceramic in the Art Nouveau style, toward Art Deco.

Height: 15 cm
Depth: 8 cm
Width: 14.5 cm
Weight: 559 g

Manufacturing period: 1889-1922

Royal Copenhagen at a glance

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

Pieces of Royal Copenhagen are often recognizable by the combination of factory mark, model number, decoration number and painters mark.

Identifying a piece is, however, 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, founded in Copenhagen in 1775 under royal patronage.

The famous three blue waves of the factory have been used as the trademark from the start. According to Royal Copenhagen, the three waves represent three important waterways of Denmark: the Sound (Sønderborg? actually Øresund), the Great Belt, and the Little Belt.

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

In its long history, the factory has produced an extraordinarily wide range of porcelain, from functional dinnerware to very detailed figurines.

A brief history of Royal Copenhagen

The Royal Porcelain Factory was established 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 connection to the Danish monarchy.

The history of the factory includes numerous 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 most important 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 painters mark. The company also provides a historical overview of the marks on the underside to help determine when pieces were produced.

You may encounter different 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 the factory’s founding and remain one of the defining features of Royal Copenhagen porcelain.

The royal crown

The crown represents the factory’s royal origin.

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

The painters 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 decorating a particular piece. Royal Copenhagen describes the painters mark as akin to a personal handwriting, reflecting 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 to precisely identify what a statuette, vase or other object is.

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

Royal Copenhagen marks and stamps

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

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

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

Other information that may be found on the bottom includes:

Factory marks
The royal crown
Three blue waves
Painter 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 specific form or figure, while a decoration number may pertain to the pattern or decoration applied.

For example, the following items appeared in a recent Potteries Auctions sale:

Mare with foal No. 4698
Shetland pony No. 4611
Grebe with ducklings No. 3194
Grebe No. 3263
French bulldog No. 1457
setter with a pheasant No. 1533
Woman feeding a calf No. 779
Boy with calf No. 772
Amager girls reading No. 1395
Amager girl darning 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 at the foot can be as important as the appearance of the porcelain itself.

Royal Copenhagen vases

Royal Copenhagen is not only known for figurines.

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

Recent lots at Potteries Auctions included vases decorated with:

Wildflowers
Butterflies
Bramen branches
Winterflower
Blue hydrangea
Swallows
Other floral and botanical motifs
Vases can be especially interesting because the 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 very detailed floral and botanical decorations.

Among the patterns and styles collectors may encounter are:

Blue Fluted Plain
Blue Fluted Half Lace
Blue Fluted Full Lace
Flora Danica
Blue Flower
Musselmalet
Floral and botanical decorations
Figurative and naturalistic decorations
Several patterns can appeal to very different collectors, and popularity is not necessarily tied to age.

Designers and artists of Royal Copenhagen

The designers and artists affiliated 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.

One 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 brought £150.

Other designers and artists linked to Royal Copenhagen include Ada Bonfils and Sterett Kelsey, whose work was also seen in our recent auction.

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

What is Royal Copenhagen worth?

There is no single value for Royal Copenhagen porcelain.

A small vase can sell for a relatively modest amount, while a rare or sought-after figure 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
Pieces that are hard to find can attract collectors looking to complete a specific collection.

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

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

5. Condition
Chips, cracks, restorations, damage 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 time.

How do you appraise Royal Copenhagen porcelain?

If you have inherited Royal Copenhagen porcelain, bought 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 previous 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 rise in value simply because it is old or bears the Royal Copenhagen brand.

The market is driven by collector demand.

Some patterns and models are readily available, while others are far harder to find. 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 is this piece, how rare is it, and what are collectors currently willing to pay?"

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 researching the bottom for the three blue waves, the crown, the painters 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 important Danish waterways: the Sound, the Great Belt, and the Little Belt.

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