We are FÜRSTENBERG – Beating hearts behind the craft
Christmas is the season of little rituals – and sometimes magic begins with a cup in your hand. A moment of calm, the aroma of coffee or tea, a conversation at the table – it’s these small moments that create the true magic of the holidays. In our magazine feature “My Favorite Christmas Cup”, employees of the FÜRSTENBERG manufactory share their favourite companions through the festive season.
Each cup is more than just porcelain – it’s an expression of personality, style, and emotion. Whether classic, modern, or playful, every piece carries a story, a memory, a feeling. Our employees reveal why a particular cup has captured their heart, what it means to them, and the small, cherished moments they enjoy with it.
At the same time, they offer a glimpse behind the scenes of the manufactory, where for nearly 275 years true craftsmanship, passion, and precision have come together. It’s the people at FÜRSTENBERG who, with their skill and enthusiasm, bring each piece to life – transforming porcelain into more than just a utility object: into a part of genuine Christmas tradition.
Christoph Fröhlich, Head of Production
Magic and Poetry – Clair de Lune
For twelve years, Christoph Fröhlich has been part of the production team at FÜRSTENBERG – driven by a visible passion for fine porcelain and the art of detail. During this time, he has seen many collections, accompanied new designs, and held countless cups in his hands. But one has particularly captured his heart: the “Clair de Lune” cup.
“The decorated cup ‘Clair de Lune’ – the moon design – has something magical about it,” he says with a smile. “The delicate design reminds me of clear starry nights with a bright full moon in the sky. That mood is calm, elegant, and somewhat mysterious – and that’s exactly what this cup reflects.”
The subtle, silvery shimmering décor plays with light and shadow, giving the cup an extraordinary presence. “It’s my favourite cup because it makes that quiet moment of drinking coffee even more beautiful,” says Christoph Fröhlich. “It’s as if time stands still for a moment – a small pause in everyday life that you savour consciously.”
Cornelia Abbe, CEO
Where Design Meets Passion – DATUM
For the past eight months, Cornelia has been part of the FÜRSTENBERG family – the “newcomer” on the team, yet full of passion for the world of porcelain. Her favourite cup is DATUM by Foster + Partners Industrial Design – a piece that, for her, perfectly unites modern design and traditional craftsmanship in harmonious balance.
“The perfect morning begins for me with my favourite cup, ‘DATUM’ – sometimes with one, sometimes with two or even three cups of coffee in it. It’s only in this cup that the special moment unfolds – the one that turns an ordinary day into a good one. Its unique lightness and clean design bring calm, clarity, and a sense of home to my morning.”
For Cornelia, working at the manufactory means far more than just a profession – it’s an expression of true passion. Being part of a legacy that has endured for almost 275 years, yet continues to evolve, fills her with pride. But what inspires her most are the people at FÜRSTENBERG – those whose craftsmanship and enthusiasm continue to write the company’s story every single day.
Sarah König, FÜRSTENBERG Store Employee
Unique Feel, Clear Form, Timeless Lightness – TOUCHÉ Bowl
Since 2022, Sarah has been part of the FÜRSTENBERG family – experiencing every day how craftsmanship and humanity form a truly special bond here.
“The cups from the TOUCHÉ range captivate me with their refined double-walled design, their versatility, and their pleasantly soft feel. They sit perfectly in the hand – modern, elegant, and full of warmth at the same time. It’s precisely this connection between function and feeling that makes TOUCHÉ my absolute favourite collection.”
What Sarah loves most about her work at FÜRSTENBERG is the mix of porcelain’s diversity and the daily contact with a wide range of customers. Every day brings new encounters and inspiring conversations – and the best moment is always when customers leave the store with a smile. For her, FÜRSTENBERG is not just a company steeped in tradition, but a place where you truly feel part of one big family.
Yelena Böker, Decoration Department Employee
A Penguin to Fall in Love With – FESTIVE PENGUIN
“Some cups are more than just cups – they’re little everyday heroes. Just like the ‘FESTIVE PENGUIN’ Christmas mug. With the very first coffee of the morning, the cheerful penguin family puts a smile on my face. I love the shape, which fits perfectly in the hand, and the size is just right – not too small, not too large. Simply ideal for starting the day well.”
For more than three years now, Yelena has been part of the FÜRSTENBERG family – wholeheartedly.
What she enjoys most about her work is the wonderful team spirit that makes every day special.
The sense of togetherness among colleagues is remarkable, and it’s clear that everyone takes pride in being part of a company
that holds such an excellent reputation in the region.
Perhaps it’s this very blend of tradition, quality, and team spirit that makes both her favourite cup –
and her workplace – a little more beautiful every day.
Robert Martin, Junior Sales Manager
Refined Elegance You Can Feel – SU
What fascinates Robert most about his work at FÜRSTENBERG is the connection between tradition and meaning. In a time when table culture often fades into the background, working at the manufactory reminds him of the importance of pausing – of sharing moments, engaging in conversation, and consciously enjoying time together. Since April 2024, he has been part of the FÜRSTENBERG family – and although he joined only recently, he already feels completely at home here.
“I love the refined shape of this double-walled SU cup and the feeling when you hold it in your hands. You can immediately sense the craftsmanship, precision, and care that went into its making – that’s exactly what makes it my favourite cup. For me, it embodies what makes FÜRSTENBERG so special: aesthetics, quality, and emotion.”
Christian Lechelt, Director Museum Schloss Fürstenberg
A Masterpiece of Form, Function and Character – CARLO
Christian Lechelt loves the full spectrum of his work: the freedom and calm, the bustle and creative chaos, the inspiring connection between museum and manufactory, the view of the landscape – and the simple joy of being surrounded by porcelain every day. For the past ten years, that has been his daily happiness.
“CARLO is, in every respect, a perfect creation. Proportions, contours – everything just works. I’m especially fascinated by the details: the slightly flared rim of the cup, the delicate profile of the saucer, and of course, the iconic handle. This elegantly curved volute is not only an aesthetic statement but also functionally perfect – a true piece of design craftsmanship.”
Nicole Ohrmann, Decoration Department Employee
Playful Charm for the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – THE BOW
“At Christmas, I like things to be a little more playful – and that’s exactly what makes my favourite cup, ‘THE BOW’, so special. Its shape is harmoniously balanced – neither too large nor too small. The delicate ribbon adds a festive lightness that enchants me anew every year. At home, I use it in the elegant Ginkgo Leaf décor – a combination of naturalness and sophistication that fits perfectly with the quiet season.”
"What I love most about my work at FÜRSTENBERG is the variety and creative challenge of constantly developing new décors. Since 2015, I’ve been part of this exceptional manufactory, and it fills me with pride to contribute to the creation of pieces that accompany so many people through their most beautiful moments."
Jan Rücker, Head of Modelling and Mould Making
Between Craftsmanship and Mythology – TOUCHÉ, Dragon
“This TOUCHÉ cup fascinates me with its artisanal sophistication – the double wall makes it not only technically demanding but also particularly pleasant to hold. Its matte surface gives it a warm, almost velvety feel that invites you to pause. Whether for hot or cold drinks, it is versatile in every way. And of course, the dragon itself – powerful, symbolic, and simply cool – makes it my absolute favourite piece.”
What Jan loves most about his work at FÜRSTENBERG is the variety, the constant challenges,
and the close connection to true craftsmanship.
He takes great pride in being directly involved in the creation of each final piece –
porcelain that embodies history, skill, and passion.
For ten years now, he has been part of the FÜRSTENBERG family –
with unwavering enthusiasm for every single piece that leaves the manufactory.
