Berlin

Berlin, in the 18th century, emerged as a significant center for the decorative arts, partly influenced by the cultural patronage of figures like Frederick the Great. The city saw a flourish in various forms of decorative art, including porcelain manufacturing and furniture making, reflecting the broader European trends in art and design during this period.

The Kunstgewerbemuseum, or Museum of Decorative Arts in Berlin, gives insights into the evolution of the decorative arts in the city and across Europe. This museum houses a rich collection that spans various periods, including the Rococo, Baroque, and Renaissance, showcasing the artistic diversity and craftsmanship prevalent during the 18th century. The exhibits in this museum illustrate Berlin’s role in the development of European decorative arts, featuring items from non-European arts and crafts that influenced the local artistic trends.

In the realm of porcelain, Berlin ware, a notable contribution of the city to the decorative arts, was developed post-1678, marking a significant evolution in European pottery. This type of faience and porcelain pottery was known for its quality and artistic value.

The decorative arts in Berlin during the 18th century were part of a broader European trend where new production techniques were being developed. These innovations, seen in different parts of Europe, including England’s development of bone china by Josiah Wedgwood, influenced the production and aesthetics of decorative items across the continent, including in Berlin.

Berlin’s decorative arts in the 18th century, therefore, were characterized by a blend of traditional craftsmanship and emerging new techniques. This period marked a crucial phase in the evolution of European decorative arts, with Berlin playing a key role in this artistic development.