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Thuringia celebrates its porcelain

April 10, 2015

Porcelain in Germany has been invented in Saxony, but it was in Thuringia 200 years ago that it was brought to the masses. These traditions will be celebrated this weekend with the "Day of the Thuringia Porcelain".

https://p.dw.com/p/1F5wV
Ausstellung Museum Leuchtenburg Alim Pasht-Han
In 2015 the Russian Artist Alim Pasht-Han created the world's tallest porcelain vase, on the Leuchtenburg in Thuringia, near Jena.Image: picture-alliance/dpa/M. Schutt

Fifteen villages in Thuringia - e.g. Weimar, Gotha, Rudolstadt - will celebrate this ancient craft from April 11-12, offering an insight into the manufacturing of porcelain and a chance to purchase the delicacies at craft porcelain markets. Exhibitions in castles will tell the fascinating tale of the product known as 'white gold' and the Volkstedt Porcelain Factory - the oldest in Thuringia, founded in 1762 - will be offering free guided tours. Visitors are also invited to bring their own porcelain treasures and have values determined by a professional auctioneer.

Thuringia became the centre of the porcelain industry in the 19th century, and instead of focusing on exclusive pieces its manufacturers made porcelain available to all - becoming the market leader in the production and trade of the product with over 40 porcelain factories. They produced porcelain goods for the dining room, plus toys and insulators, and their goods are sold around the world.

fm / ks (porzellantag.de)