Royal Dux Porcelain

Dux Porcelain Manufactory was started in 1860 in Duchov, Bohemia by Edouard Eichler and is commonly referred to by its abbreviated name, Royal Dux. Ownership of Royal Dux has changed frequently over the span of its existence, partly due to the location of the factory. Bohemia became part of Czechoslovakia, which was first controlled by Germany, then the Soviet Union, and was changed to Czech Republic in 1990. But through decades of tyranny and wars, Royal Dux continued to produce exceptional porcelain pieces.

By the early 20th century, Royal Dux had found its specialty in porcelain statuary, Art Nouveau-style busts of maidens, large porcelain figures, and ornate vases. One of the problems facing today's collectors of Royal Dux is that many original 19th-century molds were used throughout the company's history, making it difficult to distinguish vintage pieces from more modern ones.

Though it is sometimes difficult to date pieces, their markings are distinguishable and help categorize their production into four broad categories. During World War I, the letter E appeared in the center of the pink triangle mark used to mark Royal Dux porcelain. During World War II, Made in Czechoslovakia was stamped near the triangle. From 1947 to 1990, the letter E was replaced with the letter D after renaming the factory Duchcovsky Porcelain and the Made in Czechoslovakia stamp was discontinued. Pieces produced after 1990 and today include both the Made in Czechoslovakia and Made in Czech Republic stamps.

Quick Facts

• The majority of Royal Dux company records were destroyed during World War II, making it difficult to date certain pieces
• Royal Dux won the Grand Prix prize at the 1904 World Exhibition in St Louis
• In June 2011, "The Lovers," a Royal Dux Art Nouveau porcelain centerpiece by Hampel, sold at Christie's London for $1,328