Herend

Herend is a town in western Hungary, located in Veszprém County. It is best known for the Herend Porcelain Manufactory, a historic producer of fine hand-painted porcelain that has shaped the town’s international reputation.

The Herend Porcelain Manufactory was established in 1826 by Mór Fischer in the village of Herend. The enterprise grew rapidly, earning royal and aristocratic patronage in the 19th century and helping to put Hungarian porcelain on the European map. One of its enduring hallmarks is a distinctive hand-painted approach, including motifs such as floral patterns, animals, and a celebrated fishnet design that became closely associated with the brand. Pieces were often gilded and crafted with considerable attention to detail, appealing to collectors and high-end consumers.

Under the 20th century, the factory endured the pressures of industrial change and political shifts. It was nationalized during the communist era and later privatized after Hungary’s transition to a market economy. Today, the manufactory continues to operate in Herend, producing a wide array of porcelain items—dining services, figurines, vases, and decorative pieces—using traditional hand-painting techniques alongside modern manufacturing practices. Each piece reflects the company’s commitment to craftsmanship and its Hungarian heritage.

Herend porcelain remains widely distributed worldwide and is a key element of Hungary’s cultural exports. The factory also serves as a tourist destination, offering exhibitions and workshops that highlight the artisanship behind its historic and contemporary patterns.