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Unterweissbach porcelain is yet another example of a company that undergoes many twists and turns, success followed by bankruptcy followed again by even greater success. In the Thuringia region of Germany, home to other famous porcelain manufacturers such as Von Schierholz and Volkstedt, the Porzellanfabrik Unterweißbach was founded in 1882 by Herman Jost.
Having started production making primarily dishes and kitchenware, the factory evolved to making some of the finest figural pieces in the famous history of German porcelain. In 1890, the factory was sold to Rudolf Mann, who sold fractional ownerships to a number of others while benefitting from the dstrong economy at the end of the nineteenth century. To view Unterweissbach porcelain marks, click here.
In 1908 the Unterweissbach porcelain factory merged with Schwarzburger factory and its owner, Adolf Pfeiffer. Pfeiffer induced many famous artisans to join the firm. These artists created many award-winning works during their tenure with Unterweissbach Porcelain.
The Great Depression of the 1930's, however, was just too much of a strain on the Unterweissbach Porcelain Company, which was forced into bankruptcy and split up. A significant kernel of the company migrated into the control of Heinz Schaubach. He proceeded to cut staff to a minimum and then beagn to build the Unterweissbach Porcelain Company again by returning to the production of higher-end exquisite items. After the end of World War II, employment grew to 160 workers, although for a time the company operated under various other names. This was also in part due to the fcat that the company was situated in East Germany until reunification. Since German Reunification, Unterweissbach Porcelain reclaimed its original name and continued to thrive today.
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