Herend | 546

Herend is a renowned Hungarian porcelain manufacturer established by Vince Stingl in 1826. Initially, the factory produced stoneware, but in 1839, it was purchased by Mór Fischer, who introduced porcelain production. Herend gained international recognition when it won a gold medal at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, marking a significant milestone in the company's development. Subsequent exhibitions became crucial events for showcasing the latest product lines.

In 1872, Emperor Franz Joseph made Herend an official supplier to the Imperial and Royal Court, solidifying its prestigious status. However, after Mór Fischer's retirement in 1874, his sons took over the factory's management. Unfortunately, the new leadership shifted focus away from exclusivity, which led to financial difficulties and a bankruptcy filing. In 1884, a restructuring company, Herend Porcelain Factory, took over the factory’s management, ensuring its survival.

In 1948, the factory was nationalized, and in 1992, it was reorganized into a joint-stock company, with employees taking 75% of the shares.

Since 1990, Herend's signatures have included a date code, marking the specific year and month of production (e.g., K91 for November 1991).