The Craft
At Royal Copenhagen, dedication to our craft is the birthplace of our artistic expression. To us, one cannot exist without the other. For 250 years, our unwavering pursuit of exceptional quality and the passing down of expert know-how have enabled us to craft objects, create art, and envision beauty that transcends generations—even centuries.
Giving Shape
Every idea starts with a two-dimensional sketch that must be given shape. Depending on the object and its complexity, the modelers work with the design team to bring the idea to life through 3D-printed, hand-crafted models, or a combination of the two. Once a model is approved, the final casting mould can be created.
Casting
Once a casting mould has been created, the silky smooth liquid porcelain is poured in. The craftsmen at Royal Copenhagen know exactly how long each item must stay in the mould before it can be extracted and is ready for final finishing before undergoing the first firing in the kilns.
Next steps
What happens next depends on the collection. Royal Copenhagen’s classic blue-painted collections are all decorated in underglaze, meaning that the hand-painted designs are applied before the piece is glazed. In contrast, collections using in-glaze and overglaze techniques are painted after they are glazed and fired.
Underglaze
Royal Copenhagen’s blue- and black-painted collections are all decorated in underglaze, meaning that the decoration is sealed under a clear glaze.
In-glaze
The Coral collections are hand-painted in in-glaze. Here, the decoration is applied with a tool resembling a fountain pen to ensure that the fine lines remain crystal clear on the porcelain surface. In-glaze allows for a wider colour palette, and upon firing, the decoration is fused with the glaze.
Overglaze
Collections such as Purpur, Emerald, and the legendary Flora Danica are all painted in overglaze. With overglaze, the colour palette is endless, and the decorations sit on top of the porcelain surface, making them noticeable to the touch.
Glazing
Whether a porcelain piece is painted before or after glazing, or not at all, glazing porcelain requires a firm grip and swift movements to create a thin, glossy layer that highlights its delicate details.
Three Blue Waves
For 250 years, Royal Copenhagen’s signature blue waves have been featured on the back of every piece of hand-crafted porcelain as a promise to collectors around the world—a promise of unyielding passion for craftsmanship and quality.
