Art Deco Ditmar Urbach Czech Ceramic Figurine Guitar Player 1930s

Royal Dux: Dating 150 years of Porcelain

Duxer Porzellanmanufaktur, or Dux Porcelain Manufactory, was started in 1860 past Eduard Eichler in what was then Duchov, Bohemia. The high quality pottery and porcelain figures produced at that place are at present generally referred to past the abbreviated name, "Purple Dux."

Ownership of the business concern changed frequently over the final 150 years. Bohemia became office of Czechoslovakia which was in plough controlled first past Germany then the Soviet Marriage. In 1990, even the national name was changed to Czechia.

The problem facing collectors is that many original 19th century molds have remained in production throughout the visitor'due south 150 yr history. With vintage 19th century Royal Dux selling for up to several thousand dollars, modern pieces are oftentimes offered, either deliberately or through ignorance, as much older than they really are. In this article, we'll exist looking at genuine marks plant on authentic Royal Dux as well equally typical forged marks you might find in the marketplace.

Original Marks

Royal Dux products tin be divided into four broad periods of product generally separated by wars and political upheaval: 1860 to WW I; 1919 to WW II; 1947 to 1990 and from 1990 to the present. From 1860 to WW 2, ca. 1939, the company operated under the original name Duxer Porzellanmanufaktur, ordinarily chosen Purple Dux. Later on WW II, effectually 1946-47, the factory was nationalized past the Soviet Marriage and renamed Duchosvsky Porcelain. The company returned to private buying with the plummet of the Soviet Union in 1990. Since 1990, molds and variations of company marks from before periods take continued to be used as Royal Dux continues production into the 21st century.

The Famous Pink Triangle

Royal Dux introduced one of the about distinctive marks e'er placed on porcelain, a raised triangle of pink clay. All factory-applied pink triangles–whether from the 19th, 20th or 21st century–are fabricated from a separate piece of pinkish clay. The pink clay is applied to the base of Royal Dux white dirt bodies. The 2 split pieces are fused together during firing. There is almost never the slightest seam or gap between the pink clay of the triangle and the white clay of the piece to which the triangle is practical.

Earlier WW I, pink triangles were generally, but not always, left in a bisque, or unglazed, finish. Virtually Art Nouveau figures in matte glaze, for example, usually have bisque triangles. Afterward WW I, Art Deco figures entirely glazed in a high gloss occasionally accept glazed triangles. Pieces with gloss glazes afterward 1950, particularly later on 1980 are more than likely to have some glaze on the triangle. Although bisque triangles are the full general rule, there is considerable variation over the years.

Manufacturing plant triangles are all roughly the same size, about 1-one-half inch per side and raised most one-sixteenth inch thick, rarely more than than one-8th inch thick. Size varies slightly because some original triangles were slightly deformed when damp.

Appearing in all genuine factory-applied raised pinkish triangles, regardless of age, is "Majestic Dux Bohemia." That lettering appears around an oval shape in the center of the triangle. A crosshatch, or grid-like pattern, is at the tiptop of the oval. Even though the country of Bohemia disappeared at the end of WW I, Purple Dux Bohemia remains in the marker to this day.

All factory-practical pinkish triangles, new or old, are generally very high quality. You near never find a blurred, indistinct or illegible impressions in manufactory-applied triangles. Virtually all factory-applied triangles accept abrupt, clear lettering impressed to an equal depth.

E Impressed Triangle, ca. 1860-WW I

Each of the iv periods of production can exist roughly identified past changes in marks. In the first period, 1860 to WW I, the letter E is impressed in the centre of the pink triangle. East represents Eichler, the founder's surname (encounter line drawing and photo in Figs. 2-iii). The letter of the alphabet in the eye of triangles changes over the years. Information technology's important to go on in heed that Due east is the earliest. A convenient way to remember this is by word clan: E is for early. The dandy majority of authentic factory-applied triangles from the first production period are unglazed.

Additional marks from the first period of production include Figs. four-v-6 which are commonly impressed. Any of the marks from the first production catamenia in Figs. 2-vi may appear alone or in diverse combinations with any other mark.

Made in Czechoslovakia, ca. 1919

Following the end of WW I, Bohemia, the home of Royal Dux, was united with Slovakia and Moravia to course a new nation, Czechoslovakia. This alter was reflected in the phrase "Made in Czechoslovakia" which appeared in Regal Dux marks around 1919 (Figs. 7-9). The letter Eastward connected to be impressed in the center of the pink triangle and "Regal Dux Bohemia" impressed around the oval.

Made in Czechoslovakia can appear joined to other Royal Dux marks or can appear separately at a distance from other marks. Typical colors for stamped ink marks include green and a cherry-red-pink.

D Impressed in Triangle, ca. 1947

At the cease of WW Ii, Russia, then the Soviet Spousal relationship, continued to occupy east-European countries its troops held when Federal republic of germany surrendered. This included Czechoslovakia. Russia nationalized almost all Czechoslovakian industries including Majestic Dux. Around 1946-47, the manufactory was renamed Duchcovsky Porcelain after the regional proper noun of Duchov.

The alphabetic character E is removed from the heart of the pink triangle at this time and replaced by the letter D. Royal Dux Bohemia continues to appear effectually the oval. The triangle is still a separate piece of pink dirt applied to a white dirt body. Made in Czechoslovakia once more appears in marks sometime in the early on 1950s.

Some products fabricated in the early on 1950s take an M rather than a D in the pink triangle. Very few of these pieces have been seen in western markets. For all practical purposes, the alphabetic character D is the dominant letter in the vast majority of pink triangles since WW Ii.

Czechia is Created, 1990

The plummet of the Soviet Union in the early on 1990s ushered in tremendous changes in eastern Europe. Regal Dux returned to private ownership and Czechoslovakia changed its proper name to Czech Democracy. With all these changes, production since 1990 is by far the most difficult to accurately engagement past marks lonely.

The most significant change was in the general policy regarding marks. Rather than going frontwards with totally new marks, the manufacturing plant brought back marks used in the past. The letter within the triangle–in both printed marks and the raised pinkish mark– continued to be the alphabetic character D. Printed marks begin to include not only "Fabricated in Czech republic" just also "Made in Czechoslovakia" previously used only on pre-WW II pieces. Pieces fabricated since the mid-1990s in original molds and conveying the old-appearing marks tin can be difficult to separate from 19th and early 20th century originals.

Here are a few general guidelines that will assistance you identify most 1990s pieces. Start, any piece marked with the modern copyright symbol, ©, or mod registered symbol, ® , are from the 1990s. Any slice marked Czech Commonwealth cannot be older than 1990-1991 at most. Pieces with a gold foil label with a letter D in the center are also from the 1990s. Pieces marked Fabricated in Czechoslovakia–fabricated before or after 1990–can in no instance perchance appointment earlier 1919 at the earliest. Czechoslovakia was created at the terminate of WW I, ca. 1918-1919. Any piece with a D impressed in the pink triangle cannot date any earlier than the late 1940s.

Still, neither "Fabricated in Czechoslovakia" or a D impressed in the pink triangle, are guarantees of historic period. Both of those markings take been used in the 1990s and continue to be in use every bit of 2001. The new vase in Fig. 30, for instance, is marked Fabricated in Czechoslovakia but was made in 2001. There is a pink triangle with an impressed D on the frog in Fig. 23.

Generally, pieces with a letter E impressed in a raised pinkish triangle with no marks other than shape numbers or decorators marks, are nevertheless very likely to accept been fabricated before 1919. Pinkish triangles on these pieces are mostly bisque. Pieces with E impressed in a raised pinkish triangle and besides marked "Made in Czechoslovakia" impressed, not backstamped, most likely date between the world wars, 1919-1939.

Another, but less objective, test is the quality of the finish. Most matte glazed pieces from earlier WW II, especially before 1900, are velvety smooth. Surfaces of pieces made after WW Ii tend to exist rougher. This test just works on matte finished pieces, though, and you need to exist familiar with originals. Neither is a examination for pieces with gloss glazes.

Pieces with a D impressed in a raised pink triangle with "Fabricated in Czechoslovakia" applied as either a transfer or ink stamp, need to be examined very, very carefully. Although "Fabricated in Czechoslovakia" was start used ca. 1919-1939, that same marker is again existence practical with decals and stamps on new pieces fabricated since 1990s.

Fakes and Forgeries

Besides separating confusing marks and pieces made at the Imperial Dux mill, buyers must also contend with fakes and forgeries.

Some fakes are quite ambitious, going then far as to copy the raised pink triangles. Two new triangles and the pieces on which they announced are shown in Figs. 33-36. Both forgeries accept Made in Bohemia and the letter E impressed into raised pink triangles, similar to the genuine Royal Dux triangles used 1860-1918.

There are several clues to help y'all discover these and near other forged triangles. First, look at the color. All original raised pink triangles are fabricated of pinkish clay; the pink color is throughout the torso of the triangle. The fake triangle in Fig. 33 was made of white clay painted dark pinkish. No authentic factory-made pink triangles old or new are painted. The triangle in Fig. 33 was cast with the unabridged vase; it is not made separately and applied.

The forged triangle in Fig. 35 is made of pink clay, simply it is very blurred and the letters are about illegible. The depth to which letters are impressed on nigh new triangles, including this example, varies greatly. Messages in genuine triangles are impressed to almost exactly the same depth. The figure is made of heavy pottery, not porcelain.

Marks on any piece offered every bit Royal Dux must exist examined very carefully. Even if yous believe you can correctly date a slice, you should still request a written receipt that includes the approximate appointment of production. Nobody can say with whatsoever certainty what marks may accept been applied to factory-made Regal Dux since the mid-1990s.

1. Courtesy Collector Books, Collectors Guide to European and American Art Pottery, Schwartzman © 1978

Fig. 1 Ii Royal Dux 12″ horses. Both take the same impressed shape number, yet one is about twice as onetime as the other. In this article we look at the marks establish on Regal Dux products.

First Period, ca. 1860-WWI

Fig. 2 Line drawing of the oldest raised triangle mark. Majestic Dux Bohemia appears effectually an oval with the letter E. The letter impressed in the triangle changes over the years.

Fig. 3 Close upwards photo of the earliest raised pinkish triangle mark. Note that all lettering is impressed. Triangles are made of pink clay.

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Figs. 4-6 These are 3 other marks which may appear with the early raised pink E triangle or may appear solitary.

2nd Period, ca. 1919-WWII

Pre-1918 marks with Made In Czechoslovakia added.
Exact appearance and location of marks will vary.

Fig. seven

Fig. eight

Fig. 9

Figs. 7-ix After WW I, Bohemia, home of the Dux mill, was united with Moravia and Slovakia to form the state of Czechoslovakia. Around 1919, "Made in Czechoslovakia" began to be added to Royal Dux marks. Fabricated in Czechoslovakia may announced separately or joined to the pre-1918 marks. The letter E remained in the pinkish triangle along with Majestic Dux Bohemia effectually the oval.

3rd Menstruum, ca. Belatedly 1947-1990

Fig. 10

Fig. 11

Figs. ten-11 The pottery was nationalized by the Soviet Union at the cease of WW II. The alphabetic character Eastward is removed from the pink triangle and replaced by the letter D. Royal Dux Bohemia continues to appear around the oval. The triangle remains the aforementioned colour and size.

Fig. 12 Stamped in black, blue or dark dark-green ink. Triangle with D, Royal Dux Bohemia. "Hand Painted, Made in Czechoslovakia" around triangle. Afterward WW II.

Fig. xiii Some pieces made in the early on 1950s have an Yard rather than a D in the pink triangles. Very few of the M pieces have ever appeared in western markets.

4th Period, Since 1990

Fig. xiv

Fig. xv The registered symbol and Mitt Painted Made in Czechoslovakia are black, residue of mark is blue. The number 1853 beneath the triangle should non be dislocated with a engagement.

Fig. sixteen Raised pink triangle

Fig. 17 gold foil label
A gold foil label has also been used since the early on 1990s. At that place have been some reports of applying these new labels to genuinely old but originally unmarked pieces of low quality pottery fabricated past manufacturers other than Regal Dux.

Fig. 18 green backstamp

Figs. xiv-18 Marks used since the early on 1990s take been very confusing. The letter of the alphabet D once again returns to the centre of the pink triangle replacing the M. However, the raised pink triangle is used less frequently. Many marks since 1990 are stamped in ink or applied as transfers under the coat (Figs. fifteen, 18). This can include all the words previously impressed in the pink triangles such as Royal Dux Bohemia.

The modern symbols for copyright, ©, and registration, ®, also brainstorm to be used. The new national name Czech Republic, appears in many, merely far from all, new marks (Fig. 15). Many new pieces since the late 1990s have also been marked Made in Czechoslovakia (Fig. 18), exactly the same wording as used ca. 1919-1939. Miscellaneous numbers that might be confused with dates may as well appear with marks such equally 1853 in the mark shown in Fig. 15.

Fig. 20 2 Royal Dux 12-inch horses from the same mold. Matte glaze, ivory bodies, olive-gold bases. Marked equally shown below.

Fig. 21 Marks on horse at left, in a higher place. Raised pink East-triangle and ii backstamps of Royal Dux Made in Czechoslovakia; blue-green (A) and pale red (B). Estimated production, ca. 1930s, simply may be mail-WW II. Stern Photos

Fig. 22 Equus caballus on right, above, marked with raised pink triangle merely. Estimated product, ca. 1890-1915. Stern Photos

Fig. 23

Fig. 24

Fig. 25

Figs. 23-25 Frog paperweight in Fig. 23 is near 3-inches. White glossy glaze trimmed in gilded. Retail price in 1995 was $24. Marked with raised pink D-triangle, Fig. 24 and Made in Czech Republic, ® and stamped triangle in Fig. 25. Stamped triangle in blue, Made in Czechia in blackness.

Fig. 26

Fig. 27

Fig. 28

Figs. 26-28 Running deer, about 12-inches long; high gloss glaze, ca. 1990s. Marked on base of operations with raised pink D-triangle in Fig. 27 and Fabricated in Czechoslovakia in blackness backstamp, Fig. 25.

Fig. 29

Fig. 30

Figs. 29-30 Stylized 6-inch monk with lute. White loftier gloss glaze. Marked with black backstamp D-triangle and Czechoslovakia Fig. 29. As well marked with facsimile signature of an unknown designer. Estimated product ca. 1960s. Stern Photos

Fig. 31

Fig. 32

Fig. 33

Figs. 31-33 New 6½-inch vase made between 2000-2001. White bodied porcelain with transfer floral decoration and gilded trim. Light-green backstamp Regal Dux Made in Czechoslovakia, Fig. 32. Likewise golden foil label Royal Dux Bohemia, Fig. 33.

Fig. 34 Forged raised triangle found on vase in Fig. 35. This triangle is made of white clay painted dark pink. The white dirt shows through in the lower left part of the triangle. All original pink triangles are made of pink dirt with the color throughout the torso of the triangle. Old raised pink triangles are never painted.

Fig. 35 New 16-inch vase with Art Nouveau nude. Marked with forged triangle in Fig. 34. This vase is a rough pottery with vase walls nearly one-half inch thick. Genuine Royal Dux is porcelain, rarely over 1-eighth inch thick except for bases of statuary which are fabricated slightly thicker.

Fig. 36 Forged raised pink triangle above is carefully made of pink dirt. The impressed messages this new triangle vary considerably in depth. All letters on genuine triangles are nigh always impressed to a uniformly even depth. The pinkish triangle is a thick, crude-textured slab dissimilar the thin original pinkish triangles with a polish stop.

Fig. 37 This new piece with forged pink triangle from Fig. 36 is thick and heavy pottery; original Regal Dux is porcelain and rarely over 1-8th inch thick.

Fig. 38 Various figural pieces offered by Royal Dux as shown in a 1995 catalog folio.

Fig. 39 Covered jars, boxes and figural pieces offered by Royal Dux as shown in a 1995 itemize page.

Fig. twoscore Fine art Deco menses Majestic Dux 12-inch dancers with high gloss glaze.

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