The Kupfermühle Ceramics Manufacturer (KMK) in Hohenlockstedt was founded in 1948 by the merchant Walter Nawothnig and the ceramic artist Siegfried Möller. Passing through three generations of the Nawothnig family, it produced a range of tablewares, many of which enjoyed great popularity, in particular the ‘Viola’ pattern first produced in 1968. Their designs were decorative with elements of both abstract and native design as is seen in the decoration of this jug, the form also being typical of the factory’s output. Dating is probably to the 1960s or 1970s. Eventually, as with many of their competitors, KMK found themselves unable to compete with the more keenly priced imports which had begun to flood the market and the firm was forced to file for bankruptcy in 1998.