Discovering the Charm of Czech Dubí Porcelain: Unraveling the Allure of the Iconic Onion Design

Blue and white painted porcelain known as onionskin is often used by many families as special tableware. Its timeless design remains a favorite across generations, but it actually has nothing to do with onions. A factory located in Dubí, in the Teplice region, began its production in 1864, and the making of onion patterns started here in 1885. Today, Český porcelán is one of the only four factories in the world still producing this traditional porcelain. They have a museum in Dubí called the House of Porcelain with Blue Blood. Aside from exhibitions, you can also find an information center where you can book a tour to see how Czech porcelain is made as well as guided visits to the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary in Dubí.

Cibulák from Dubí: porcelain with blue blood conquering the world

Porcelain was introduced to Europe by traveler Marco Polo in the 13th century, but the secrets of its production were not uncovered for many years. It wasn’t until the early 18th century that the formula for the material was identified, and in 1710, the first European porcelain factory was established.
In Bohemia, the onion pattern was first produced in 1885 at the porcelain factory in Dubí. Throughout its history, the factory has changed its name seventeen times and has had sixteen different owners. Currently, around 150 people work at the porcelain factory, and the onion pattern constitutes almost a quarter of its output. Each year, the factory introduces about ten new designs, whether as collector’s items or everyday household items. Their range includes cups, plates, bowls, vases, figurines, and even porcelain dwarfs.

House of Porcelain with Blue Blood: a museum and a unique experience

If you want to learn more about the onion pattern, visit the House of Porcelain with Blue Blood in Dubí, which is situated in a newly renovated old cinema. Here, you’ll see various porcelain pieces from across Podkrušnohoří, including colorful versions of the onion pattern, some of which are decorated with gold or ruby.

Czech Porcelain Dubí: blending tradition with modern times

Czech Porcelain Dubí has successfully competed against the influx of affordable products from Asia by maintaining its quality and prestige. However, recent challenges, such as pandemics and increasing energy and raw material costs, have posed difficulties. Nonetheless, the company strives to stabilize its production while preserving the tradition that gives it a special standing both in the Czech Republic and internationally.
The company has received the Czech Family Silver Award and has been recognized eight times as one of the 100 best companies in the Czech Republic. Czech Porcelain has also earned multiple honors, including the diploma for the 100 most admired Czech companies and an International Golden Trophy for quality.
Cibulák from Dubí has been sought after by presidents, actors, and collectors worldwide. The primary markets currently include Korea, Turkey, Japan, and the USA. Unlike other porcelain types, onionskin has a significant advantage: if you break a plate or mug, you can easily replace it with a new one since the designs are always available.

Onionskin through the eyes of contemporary designers

Recently, there has been a revival of interest in tradition, leading to a renewed enthusiasm for onion patterns. In addition to classic collections, modern variations have appeared. Designer Jiří Pelcl introduced a more minimalistic interpretation of onion porcelain, while Maxim Velčovský created a bolder and more playful version that merges classic and contemporary styles. As a result, the onionskin design appeals not just to those who appreciate tradition but also to individuals looking to add a stylish touch to modern interiors.

Onion pattern without any onions

Much like the styles from Dubí, designs from Germany feature hand-painted underglaze blue patterns that originated from original Chinese designs. Interestingly, the pattern known as “onion” actually doesn’t depict any onions. Instead, it’s a mix of pomegranates, peaches, peonies, and chrysanthemums that draw from Chinese and Japanese symbolism related to fertility, immortality, wealth, or nobility.
The term onion was actually a mistake, originating from a time when only pomegranates were misidentified as onions. The name comes from the German term ‘Zwiebelmuster’, which translates to onion pattern.

Explore the Porcelain Route

Dubí is part of the Porcelain Route, which follows the German Porzellanstraße. The route in the Czech Republic winds through locations such as Karlovy Vary, Klášterec nad Ohří, Loket, and Duchcov, linking various sites related to porcelain production.

• At the castle of Klášterec nad Ohří, you can explore a collection of porcelain from around the world, while the Regional Museum in Teplice offers an exhibition on the history of porcelain and ceramics.
• The impressive porcelain collections adorned the grand interiors of Duchcov Castle as far back as the 18th century. The Wallensteins showcased rare collections of porcelain, ceramics, and faience in a special Collector’s Cabinet structured as porcelain pyramids.
• Near the House of Porcelain with Blue Blood in Dubí, you can find oak wood sculptures holding a tray of onion rings, unveiled to celebrate the factory’s 150th anniversary in 2014.
• The Meissen porcelain factory, established in 1710, is one of the most well-known porcelain manufacturers in Europe and continues to operate today. Initially, the products were not white but were inspired by oriental vessels featuring dark brown and black colors adorned with gilt decorations. You can recognize Meissen products by their distinctive mark of two crossed swords.
• These are some of the oldest porcelain brands in Europe.