The Ceramics and Porcelain Collection of the MKG is one of the largest in Germany. This high-calibre collection with ca. 11,000 objects ranges from Antiquity to the present.
The Ceramic Collection is comprised of objects from the most diverse cultural regions, items with a variety of uses and all categories of ceramic production. Particular emphases include Antique Ceramic Vessels, East-Asian Ceramics, distinguished porcelain from Renaissance to Historicism, as well as objects from the movements of Art Nouveau and Modernity. Ceramic vessels included in this collection range from pottery tumblers that date from the 6th century B.C. to interior objects designed by contemporary artists.
Another focus of the collection is precious decorative coffee, tea and dining sets, including splendid decorative centrepieces from past royal collections. The MKG owns works of international repute produced by the most famous porcelain and faience manufactures in Europe, such as Meißen, Fürstenberg and Höchst. A selection of these exquisite artifacts is on permanent display in the 1st and 2nd floor. In addition, the East-Asian department has a magnificent collection of imperial porcelain from China. Furthermore, the Ceramic Collection boasts an emphasis on ceramics made by famous artists, such as works by Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso and Eduardo Chillida, which all serve as excellent examples.
Finally, the MKG owns a comprehensive collection of figurative ceramics from different cultures and epochs that has been strengthened by the acquisition of acquisition of East-Asian artworks. The Ceramic Collection is both an archive of preeminent achievement in design and a rich source of information on the technical skill of ceramic and porcelain manufacturing, thus, the collection offers an insight into the long history of the production of material and technical progresses.