Imperial Chalkida Porcelain Factory
The Imperial Chalkida Porcelain Factory (or Manufactory) commonly known as the Imperial Porcelain Factory (Greek: Αυτοκρατορικού Χαλκίδα Εργοστάσιο Πορσελάνης, Af̱tokratorikoú Chalkída Ergostásio porseláni̱s) is a porcelain manufacturing factory located in Chalkida, a town in the vicinity of Atlantis, Diadochia.
Contents
History
Foundation
The Imperial Porcelain Factory was founded in 1712 by order of Emperor Constantine VII of Diadochia to serve the Imperial Court with uniquely Diadochian style porcelain and art. From its inception the imperial factory produced wares exclusively for the ruling Komnenos-Palaiologos family and the Imperial Court of Diadochia. In the early 18th century a talented engineer by the name of Spyros Diakogeorgiou mastered the art of porcelain making and invented the formula for Diadochian Porcelain.
1712-1762 The Diakogeorgiou Period
During the first fifty years of the Imperial Chalkida Porcelain Factory existence the style of porcelain resembled chinese porcelain but sued only Diadochian ingredients.
1762-1802 Zoe II and John VII
The reign of Empress Zoe II (r. 1762-1796) was the golden age of Diadochian Porcelain, it is from this time frame that some of the most exquisite pieces of porcelain can be found. In 1764 the Chalkida Factory was officially named the Imperial Porcelain Factory, gaining a imperial warrent as a Imperial purveyor, a position it holds to this day. The Imperial Court kept the porcelain factory in constant production has the demand for porcelain was high in Diadochia.
During the reign of Emperor John VII of Diadochia traditional Hellenic and roman motifs became widely popular because Diadochia was a largely Greek nation.
1802-1832 Early 19th Century
During the reign of Emperor Nikolas V of Diadochia (r. 1802-1819) a ban was placed on the import of foreign porcelain into Diadochia. During his brother Emperor Basil IV's reign (r. 1819-1832) the Factory was divided into two departments, one an expensive imperial presents department, and an ordinary consumer department for the consumers and the Diadochian nobility. For the Imperial Porcelain Factory's centennial anniversary in 1812 a Porcelain Museum was founded.
1832-1901 George VII in the Late 19th Century
Throughout his long reign Emperor George VII of Diadochia (r. 1832-1901), took part in the managing of the Imperial Porcelain factory. In 1857 a new type of glazing formula was invented.
1901-present Modern Era
By the early 20th century the Imperial Porcelain Factory had become one of the leading porcelain factories in the Diadochia, possibly the world. Even in modern times the Imperial Porcelain Factory is world famous for its high quality porcelain, some of the finest in the world.
