The manufactory was established in 1761 by merchant Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky who attracted the craftsmen from Meissen. Among them were the apprentice of Johann Joachim Kändler F. Mayer, who became the chief modeller of the factory, and artists C. Böhme and J. Bormann. The enterprise did not succeed in porcelain production and in 1763 it was bought by Emperor Frederick II. Despite the obvious influence of their rivals – masters of Meissen and Sèvres – the representatives of the “Berlin school” worked out their style and manner that featured fine floral painting, precise reproduction of painting and graphic originals on porcelain, restraint of plastic forms and colouring. Remarkable service sets, exquisite décor and small statuary of the Royal Porcelain Factory gave rise to multiple imitations by other porcelain factories, for example by the Imperial Porcelain Factory in Saint Petersburg. The Berlin manufactory was always distinguished by strict and slightly cold elegance, which used to appeal to the royal clients.