KPM Berlin, Stefan Marx, and Peter von Biron Celebrate Design History Together

How did youcup with the design for the KPM To-go cup , and what's the idea behind it?

I find the story of “ Kurland ” just as fascinating as the entire history of KPM. I wondered who, 230 years ago, commissioned the design of a new porcelain dinner service. When I saw the portrait of Peter von Biron, I loved the idea of creating a “Sundaayyyssss” Peter von Biron portrait variation—along with matching “ Kurland ” elements—to celebrate this year’s “ KURLAND ” anniversary.

Did you decide on the design first and then choose the product it would be applied to, or did youcup the design specifically for the KPM To-go cup ?

I designed this motif specifically for the KPM To-Go mug. So everything had to be just right: the number of the signature “ Kurland ” handles and the string of pearls. The mug is also a tribute to the famous New York to-go cup, “The Greek Anthora.”

Why does Peter von Biron have a dog face?

This time, Peter von Biron has taken on the form of the Sundaayyy Dog. You can also find this character on other hand-painted pieces of mine and on KPM Berlin.

How can we imagine the process of developing a motif in your work?

It is a process of trial and error, a dialog with the porcelain and an attempt to finally transfer my idea of the drawing in the perfect size onto the porcelain surface. To do this, I make lots of drawings on paper, which I then transfer to the porcelain in a unique way.

All of your images for the " KPM Berlin " are black and white—is there a reason for that?

I mainly work in black and white, because a black line in a drawing can express a lot - sometimes you don't even need color.

We've already had the chance to look over your shoulder as you draw and are thrilled at how confidently you draw with a pen on porcelain. Did you find it easy right from the start?

It was a tough start, and I’m learning something new every day in the master painting studio at the KPM Berlin . My dear colleagues in TOM 1 (the painting studio where Stefan works—at KPM Berlin , the painting studios are called “Team-Oriented Painting”) are very patient with me, though. I’m thrilled with how I’m now able to draw my lines on the porcelain. I do make a lot of mistakes, but fortunately, they’re easy to correct.

What is the difference between drawing on porcelain and drawing on paper or other surfaces?

The biggest difference is the color and the tool, plus the fact that most porcelain pieces do not have a flat surface, but are usually domed or rounded in some way. Another difference is that the surface is sealed and the color is not absorbed, but lies on the glaze. This is very special.

What is the appeal of painting on porcelain for you?

The greatest attraction is probably the individuality of each painted piece, because each piece is truly unique.

Which part of the " KPM Berlin " would you like to paint in the future?

I would like to paint a KPM figure in the future.

The to-go cup is part of the KPM " KURLAND" collection. Which collection is your favorite for your daily cup of coffee?

I now drink my daily coffee from the KPM To-go cup!

The Stefan Marx To-go mug was produced exclusively for the 2020 anniversary year of the " KURLAND " and is therefore no longer available.