manufakturs

Manufakturs are artisanal workshops or factories that historically emerged during the transition from the medieval guild system to modern industrialization. The term "manufaktur" itself originates from Latin, meaning "made by hand." These establishments typically involved a division of labor, where skilled artisans worked together on different stages of production, a departure from the all-encompassing craftsmanship of individual guild members.

Unlike the decentralized production of earlier periods, manufakturs concentrated workers and machinery in a single location, facilitating greater output and standardization. This concentration of labor and specialized tasks allowed for a more efficient production process, laying the groundwork for mass production. They often produced luxury goods, textiles, and armaments, catering to growing markets and often receiving patronage from royalty or the state.

The rise of manufakturs played a significant role in the economic and social changes of the early modern period, contributing to urbanization and the development of a wage-earning class. They represented an intermediate stage between small-scale craft production and large-scale factory systems, bridging the gap with their organized workforce and specialized production methods. While the term is sometimes used interchangeably with factory, manufakturs emphasize the human element in production, even with the introduction of some mechanical aids.