Manifattura Porcellane Zsolnay Artwork valuations, appraisals and auction estimates

Zsolnay porcelain factory (1853 - ) This is a historic and prestigious Hungarian industrial company in the city of Pécs that has continued to produce porcelain, tiles and ceramics since 1800. Founded in 1853, it was the first porcelain to have a glazing process method with eosin and pyro granite ceramics. Read the full biography

Zsolnay porcelain factory (1853 - ) This is a historic and prestigious Hungarian industrial company in the city of Pécs that has continued to produce porcelain, tiles and ceramics since 1800. Founded in 1853, it was the first porcelain to have a glazing process method with eosin and pyro granite ceramics. One hundred and ninety four years ago, Vilmos Zsolnay (1828-1900), father of the famous Hungarian Factory, was born. Zsolnay was born on 19 April 1828 in Pécs. In 1853 he joined the family company to eventually take over its management. Thanks to the development and introduction of new materials, techniques and inventions, including the use of pyroganite - later taken up by Hungarian Art Nouveau artists for the colorful and resistant decoration of their extravagant buildings - meant that the small family business over time it became a world-famous enterprise. It was the Zsolnay porcelain factory that also used the eosin technique for the first time (invented by Lajos Petrik and Vince Wartha) which gives the articles an iridescent glaze in multiple colors. Starting in 1873, Vilmos Zsolnay exhibited regularly abroad, enjoying enormous success. At the Paris EXPO in 1878 he was even awarded the Grand Prix and subsequently the Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur. In 1945 the Zsolnay factory was nationalized under the name Pécsi Porcelángyar and forced to change its production profile. Following the change of regime, the company became a joint-stock company and returned to its early days.