Royal Bayreuth China

Delicate but durable, Royal Bayreuth has earned a reputation as one of Germany's greatest producers of quality porcelain. The factory, which still stands today, has produced a wide range of products from dinnerware to unique novelties since its founding in 1794.

Perhaps the most sought-after Royal Bayreuth products are their figurines, rose tapestry, and novelty dishes such as SunBonnet Babies. A horrible fire in 1897 destroyed the factory, its office, and many molds and records, which stopped production of its unique novelty items and figurines. A lot of the information for their processes was also lost in the fire.

Surviving Royal Bayreuth novelty pieces come in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns. All are hand painted. Some may have applied decals, as well as silver or gold accents. They come in three individual finishes: linen (tapestry), satin (matte), or high gloss. Today, the factory exclusively creates dinnerware.

Quick Facts

• Still operating today, the factory has survived several difficult events: the Napoleonic-Franco Prussian turmoil, World War I and II, and the fire of 1897
• There is no complete catalog available for the variety of Royal Bayreuth novelty pieces, so unknown versions may show up at any time
• The Royal Bayreuth mark changed slightly with each new director of Royal Bayreuth. Quite a few different marks can be found throughout its production