Lot 428. This refined porcelain coffee service stands out for its deep cobalt-blue background decorated with abstract ornaments and gold-coloured details. Such a design is often called 'stardust' or the 'galaxy' effect. In fact, this set is made from products of two prestigious manufacturers from Thuringia (GDR): the plates and saucers are made by Wallendorf (founded 1764), and the cup by Lichte. The combination of products from different manufacturers in the set is explained by the unique economic and industrial context of East Germany in the 1960s and 1970s. Here are the main reasons why these items look so similar to each other, even though they bear different manufacturers' marks: nationalisation and centralisation (VVB Porzellan). Under the communist regime of the GDR, private enterprises were nationalised. Wallendorf and Lichte, only a few kilometres apart in Thuringia (the central region of German porcelain production), were merged into large state conglomerates (known as VVB Porzellan). For more information, message me on Messenger.