Did you know that Royal Copenhagen is the biggest porcelain manufacturer in Denmark? Royal Copenhagen is the name many people picture when they think of blue and white porcelain. This famous Danish brand began in 1775 as The Danish Porcelain Manufactory with the Royal Family’s support, and grew into a global design reference. Their signature royal blue paint is still used by their certified blue painters, and they are still designing plates, cups, bowls, and decorative pieces to this day. Would you like to know how this Danish brand gained its fame? Or learn the story behind the famous Flora Danica collection that costs anywhere between $1,000 to $45,000? Let’s unveil Royal Copenhagen’s secret of how it became the biggest porcelain manufacturer in Denmark!
Key Takeaways
- Founded in 1775 with royal support, Royal Copenhagen uses three waves to symbolize the Øresund, the Great Belt, and the Little Belt.
- Fiskars Group owns the brand, helping it balance heritage with new design across Europe, Asia, and North America.
- Royal Copenhagen’s blue painters train for at least four years, apply the royal blue paint under the glaze, and sign each piece with a personal mark.
- Top collections include Blue Fluted Plain, Half Lace, Full Lace, and Mega, while Flora Danica remains the most exclusive service.
- Denmark has five brand stores, including a Copenhagen flagship store, an Aarhus concept store, and outlets in Frederiksberg, Vejle, and Ringsted, with a wide range of tableware and décor.
Royal Copenhagen at a Glance
Royal Copenhagen started in 1775 with strong backing from the Danish Royal Family. The three wavy lines on each base symbolize Danish waters and a promise of quality. Today, the company belongs to Fiskars Group, a Nordic design house with a stable of respected names. This support helps the brand balance heritage and new ideas while serving customers across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Across Denmark, you can visit five brand stores. There is the main flagship store in central Copenhagen, a concept store in Aarhus, and three outlets operate in Frederiksberg, Vejle, and Ringsted. Shoppers can purchase plates, cups, mugs, bowls, jugs, serveware, vases, and seasonal décor. There are several popular collections that stand out, and among those, the Floral Danica collection is the most sought after, mostly ordered as custom pieces for affluent families and corporations around the globe. For a private shopping experience or a customized tour of the flagship store in Copenhagen, reach out to us to book your visit.
The History of Royal Copenhagen
Beginnings and Royal Roots
This year marks the 250 year anniversary of Royal Copenhagen. Their story begins with a bold aim. In 1775, the Danish Porcelain Manufactory set out to make fine hard paste porcelain in Denmark. Dowager Queen Juliane Marie and later King Christian the Seventh supported the venture. The factory adopted the three wavy lines as its mark, which later became the symbol of Royal Copenhagen. They stand for Denmark’s three most important bodies of water: the Sound (Øresund), the Great Belt, and the Little Belt. Early artists studied Asian porcelain and European trends, then shaped a language of their own. Soon, their first collection Blue Fluted emerged as Pattern Number One.
During the 19th century, Royal Copenhagen refined kilns, materials, and training. Hand painted underglaze decoration became their signature in this period. Their workshops earned awards at international exhibitions and expanded sales abroad. People valued the clean lines of blue, the floral motifs, and the steady quality. By the early 20th century, the name Royal Copenhagen carried weight at Danish homes and overseas.
Renewal and Design Leadership
After those milestones, the 20th century carried their story into modern life. New shapes joined the catalog, and designers added fresh ideas while protecting the core patterns. Collaboration stayed central. In 2000, Royal Copenhagen’s ceramist and designer Karen Kjældgård Larsen launched Blue Fluted Mega. She enlarged selected elements from the classic motif, and the look felt bold yet familiar. It showed how heritage can evolve, and it was accepted well by the public.
In 2013, Royal Copenhagen became part of Fiskars Group. The new home strengthened craft training, distribution, and long term planning. Production today combines hand painting by specialists with advanced firing and strict quality control. They curate stories from the archive and continue to release thoughtful additions that still mix with the classics. Despite going through the change, their aim stays clear. Royal Copenhagen makes porcelain that earns a place at the table that stays with the family for generations.
Blue Painters and the Signature Blue Paint
Out of history comes the living craft of the blue painters. Royal Copenhagen’s signature blue begins as a cobalt based pigment that turns vivid during firing. Painters use fine brushes and a steady hand to draw lines, leaves, and flowers on the bisque surface. A clear glaze locks the blue below a glassy layer. After this meticulous process, the colour stays bright for decades of daily use.
The real question is, what does it take to become a blue painter? A blue painter trains for at least four years before earning the brush. Each pattern becomes a personal signature during these years. At first, the motifs may look the same, yet painters can spot their own work and that of their colleagues as time passes. Once one becomes a certified blue painter, they also earn the right to sign the back of every painted piece. That mark sits beside the three Royal Copenhagen waves, which stand for the Oresund, the Great Belt, and the Little Belt. Unless you are a certified blue painter, you are not allowed to paint the three waves on the porcelain!
At the flagship store in Copenhagen city center, you can experience a personal painting session with certified blue painters to bring home a keepsake of your own. Under careful instructions, you paint a chosen item, such as a cup, plate, or a bowl that returns to you after glazing and firing. Would you like to try a classic motif or create your own twist? Reach out to us to book your time and create unforgettable memories with Royal Copenhagen’s very own blue painters.
Signature Collections of Royal Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen’s craft defines a set of lines that have become favorites on tables across the world. Out of the 29 collections they currently offer, these are the top collections you should know:
Blue Fluted Plain is the original pattern with fine vines and small blossoms. In addition to this collection, new variants were born. Refined by Arnold Krog in 1885, Blue Fluted Full Lace is the most elaborate version out of all variants. It has a hand pierced lace rim that is finished hole by hole and accented with blue brushstrokes. Blue Fluted Half Lace was later introduced in 1888 by Arnold Krog as well. It kept a painted lace border on a scalloped rim without piercings. In 2000, Karen Kjældgård Larsen introduced Blue Fluted Mega, which enlarged selected elements for a fresh, modern look.
However, Flora Danica sits at the peak of the collection. It is known to be Royal Copenhagen’s most exclusive service. The edges carry 24 carat gold, and the design draws on a famous botanical encyclopedia. A royal commission in the 18th century brought this collection to life as Crown Prince Frederik ordered the service as a gift for Empress Catherine the Great of Russia. Although the gift was never presented, the project defined a national icon. Today, master artists still paint the line by hand with careful gilding. Each piece takes many hours, which explains the value and status of the unique collection.
In addition to these signature collections, Royal Copenhagen offers a small detail that also wins hearts. When you purchase a new item at the store, the staff adds their signature gift wrap, so that the box opens like a flower. Queen Ingrid, inspired by Japanese origami, developed this method, and it became a special folding technique for the brand.
Conclusion
Are you fascinated by the 250 years of history that Royal Copenhagen carries? From the 18th century to now, they have left a huge impression on Danish society and the international market, with the Royal Family as their top client. Join us to continue your journey in Copenhagen to explore Royal Copenhagen’s flagship store, take a glance at their full collection, and perhaps grab a paintbrush to create your very own masterpiece with certified blue painters. We promise you will be leaving with stories to tell your friends and family back home, together with the one-of-a-kind keepsake glazed by Royal Copenhagen’s blue painters!
Planning for a luxurious trip to Copenhagen? Discover where the most powerful gastronomic experiences in Copenhagen are or the best Michelin Starred restaurants in the city. If you are interested in shopping, take our advice on where to find exclusive neighborhoods for luxury stores in Copenhagen. Looking forward to guiding your unforgettable journey in Copenhagen soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is so special about Royal Copenhagen?
Royal Copenhagen unites hand painted craft with inspirations from The Royal Family in Denmark. Their signature blue paint sits under the glaze to promise generational usage.
Is Royal Copenhagen still made?
Yes. The brand continues to design and produce today. Painters still decorate its pieces by hand in Royal Copenhagen’s factory.
Why is Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica so expensive?
Flora Danica is painted by master artists, and was first introduced as a royal commission from the 18th century. Each piece requires many hours of precise work, and all collections are personalized to orders. Premium materials such as 24 carat gold add to its value.
Who owns Royal Copenhagen?
Fiskars Group owns Royal Copenhagen. The Nordic design house supports growth and keeps craftsmanship at the center.
