Jesus in the Temple Porcelain Plaque by KPM

This porcelain plaque hailing from the renowned KPM porcelain factory tells the biblical story taken from the gospel of Luke of a 12-year-old Jesus teaching the temple elders on the occasion of Passover. The delicately hand-painted scene is after an 1881 work by German artist Heinrich Hofmann. Skillfully executed and stunningly detailed, this plaque demonstrates the technical acuity and beautiful artistry for which the royal manufactory was known.

Founded in Berlin in 1750, KPM, or Koenigliche Porzellan-Manufaktur, acquired its name and royal patronage when the Prussian King Frederick the Great purchased the manufactory in 1760. Its distinguished trademark from then on became the royal blue scepter. The complicated and exacting process of painting on porcelain became very popular in the nineteenth century, and artists were able to achieve incredible luminosity due to the translucent quality of the porcelain. KPM porcelain represented the height of technical and artistic achievement during this period, and plaques such as this one have become increasingly rare and highly sought after.

Stamped “KPM” on the reverse

Plaque: 20" high x 16 3/4" wide
Frame: 31" high x 27 3/8" wide