There are so many copies and imitations of the beehive mark, it can make your head spin. However, this is exactly where more doubts creep in. If it is an original Imperial & Royal Manufactory piece, the authentic beehive mark is never symmetrical and always underglaze in blue or impressed. Therefore, when someone proclaims a piece to be “Royal Vienna”, the obvious question should be “do you mean from the Imperial & Royal factory period or made later in that style?” For example, most classically themed decorative plates that have a “beehive” mark and made ca 1880s – 1940s, are often called “Royal Vienna Plates,” but in this case, when applied correctly, the reference is to their style. However, it should be pointed out that this term is also being used by others to refer to the style of certain items, not necessarily their origin or maker. This symbol, known as the “beehive” mark in English-speaking countries because of its resemblance to a normal beehive when upside down, is the second most copied or imitated Porcelain mark in history after Meissen’s Crossed Swords.Īs mentioned, it is true that some collectors refer to pieces made by the original Imperial & Royal Porcelain Manufactory as “Royal Vienna” and use this term as an abbreviation. In addition to their legacy for stunning Porcelain Artwork and Ceramic masterpieces, one other involuntary contribution made to today’s Collecting world is their famous “bindenschild” mark meant to represent the Royal Shield found in the center of the Royal Crest of the Hapsburg Royal Family, who mentored and financed them. However, Royal Vienna was not their official name. To begin with, there is not and never was a company or factory called “Royal Vienna.” Many Collectors have used this term to refer to the “Imperial & Royal Porcelain Manufactory” in Vienna, Austria, and in operation ca 1718 – 1864 only. Yet, in our research, we have often found that there are several meanings attached. It turns out that the term Royal Vienna and the “beehive” mark occur frequently on fine Porcelain & China pieces, mostly on items of decorative appeal. Over the years I have seen so many versions and on so many lovely pieces, it is hard to keep those creeping doubts from screaming at you: Fake!! Fake!!Įspecially when coupled with the words ROYAL VIENNA, with or without the beehive mark, it is enough to drive you crazy and swear that you’d never buy another one of those ever! So… I did a lot of research and decided to share what I know in the hopes of keeping at least some people sane… If you are like me and love fine porcelain, I am sure that my frustration when finding a great piece with the “beehive” mark is all too familiar. Royal Vienna and the Beehive Mark: Real or Fake?
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