Meissen Porcelain Cobalt & Gold Rim Decorated Sauce Boat
About the Item
- Creator:Meissen Porcelain (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 4 in (10.16 cm)Width: 7.75 in (19.69 cm)Depth: 10.75 in (27.31 cm)
- Style:George IV (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:20th century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Small chip to edge of attached under plate as photographed.
- Seller Location:Atlanta, GA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7838235333812
Meissen Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain (Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen) is one of the preeminent porcelain factories in Europe and was the first to produce true porcelain outside of Asia. It was established in 1710 under the auspices of King Augustus II “the Strong” of Saxony-Poland (1670–1733), a keen collector of Asian ceramics, particularly Ming porcelain.
In pursuing his passion, which he termed his “maladie de porcelaine,” Augustus spent vast sums, amassing some 20,000 pieces of Japanese and Chinese ceramics. These, along with examples of early Meissen, comprise the Porzellansammlung, or porcelain collection, of the Zwinger Palace, in Dresden.
The king was determined, however, to free the European market from its dependence on Asian imports and to give European artisans the freedom to create their own porcelain designs. To this end, he charged the scientist Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus and aspiring alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger with the task of using local materials to produce true, hard-paste porcelain (as opposed to the soft-paste variety European ceramists in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and Spain had been producing since the late Renaissance). In 1709, the pair succeeded in doing just that, employing kaolin, or “china clay.” A year later, the Meissen factory was born.
In its first decades, Meissen mostly looked to Asian models, producing wares based on Japanese Kakiemon ceramics and pieces with Chinese-inflected decorations called chinoiserie. During the 1720s its painters drew inspiration from the works of Watteau, and the scenes of courtly life, fruits and flowers that adorned fashionable textiles and wallpaper. It was in this period that Meissen introduced its famous cobalt-blue crossed swords logo — derived from the arms of the Elector of Saxony as Arch-Marshal of the Holy Roman Empire — to distinguish its products from those of competing factories that were beginning to spring up around Europe.
By the 1730s, Meissen’s modelers and decorators had mastered the style of Asian ceramics, and Augustus encouraged them to develop a new, original aesthetic. The factory’s director, Count Heinrich von Brühl, used Johann Wilhelm Weinmann’s botanical drawings as the basis for a new line of wares with European-style surface decoration. The Blue Onion pattern (Zwiebelmuster), first produced in 1739, melded Asian and European influences, closely following patterns used in Chinese underglaze-blue porcelain, but replacing exotic flora and fruits with Western varieties (likely peaches and pomegranates, not onions) along with peonies and asters.
During the same period, head modeler Joachim Kändler (1706–75) began crafting delicate porcelain figures derived from the Italian commedia dell’arte. Often used as centerpieces on banquet tables and decorated to reflect the latest fashions in courtly dress for men and women, these figurines were popular in their day, and are still considered among Meissen’s most iconic creations. Kändler also created the Swan Service, which, with its complex low-relief surface design and minimal decoration is considered a masterpiece of Baroque ceramics.
The rise of Neoclassicism in the latter half of the 18th century forced Meissen to change artistic direction and begin producing monumental vases, clocks, chandeliers and candelabra. In the 20th century, Meissen added to its 18th-century repertoire decidedly modern designs, including ones in the Art Nouveau style. The 1920s saw the introduction of numerous animal figures, such as the popular sea otter (Fischotter), which graced an East German postage stamp in the 1960s. Starting in 1933, artistic freedom was limited at the factory under the Nazi regime, and after World War II, when the region became part of East Germany, it struggled to reconcile its elite past with the values of the Communist government. In 1969, however, new artistic director Karl Petermann reintroduced the early designs and fostered a new degree of artistic license. Meissen became one of the few companies to prosper in East Germany.
Owned by the State of Saxony since reunification, in 1990, Meissen continues to produce its classic designs together with new ones developed collaboratively with artists from all over the world. In addition, through its artCAMPUS program, the factory has invited distinguished ceramic artists, such as Chris Antemann and Arlene Shechet, to work in its studios in collaboration with its skilled modelers and painters. The resulting works of contemporary sculpture are inspired by Meissen’s rich and complex legacy.
Find a collection of authentic Meissen Porcelain on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Atlanta, GA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- 2 Pc, Meissen Porcelain Cobalt & Gold Rim Decorated Soup Tureen, Under PlatterBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in Atlanta, GA2 Pc, Meissen Porcelain Cobalt & Gold Rim Decorated Soup Tureen, Under Platter. The soup tureen is classic porcelain white and decorated to t...Category
20th Century German Serving Pieces
MaterialsPorcelain
- Spode Heraldric "Bear & Forbear" Dessert Tray & Covered Sauce Compotes C. 1840By Spode FelsparLocated in Atlanta, GASpode (England, Founded 1770), Felspar Porcelain (Introduced 1821), circa 1840. A 3 piece grouping of antique Spode Felspar porcelain including a pair o...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Georgian Serving Pieces
MaterialsPorcelain
- Pair, Antique Meissen Porcelain Ornithological & Gold Encrusted ChargersBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in Atlanta, GAMeissen (German, founded 1710), 20th century. A pair of fine quality porcelain chargers depicting two hand painted birds. Each centralized ornithological bird perched on a branch is...Category
20th Century German Aesthetic Movement Porcelain
MaterialsEnamel
- 19th Century, Meissen Neoclassical Cobalt Blue & Gold Snake Handle Urn LampBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in Atlanta, GAMeissen (German, founded 1710), circa mid 19th century. This stunning antique Meissen urn has been converted to a table lamp. It features a Neoclassical baluster form with gilt and ...Category
Antique 19th Century German Neoclassical Table Lamps
MaterialsPorcelain
- Pair, Richard Ginori Italian "Elba" Pattern Porcelain Open Sauce BoatsBy Richard GinoriLocated in Atlanta, GAPair, Richard Ginori Italian "Elba" Pattern Porcelain Open Sauce Boats. Each open sauce boat with small handles. Decorated with a blue intertwi...Category
20th Century Italian Porcelain
MaterialsPorcelain
- Meissen Porcelain "Little Gardener With Basket" Model #2By Meissen PorcelainLocated in Atlanta, GANice small figurine of a little girl in dress and flowers, made by famous German manufactory Meissen. The model was created in 1770s by Johann J. Kändler as a part of "Gärtenkinder"...Category
20th Century German Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsPorcelain
- Antique Meissen Neu Brandenstein Gravy or Sauce BoatBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in Philadelphia, PAA fine Meissen gravy or sauce boat. By the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. Having tin handles, two spouts, and an integral undertray. In the Neu Brandenstein...Category
Early 20th Century German Rococo Porcelain
MaterialsPorcelain
- Victorian Silver Sauce BoatBy William EvansLocated in London, GBPretty antique silver gravy boat on three legs with hand-chased fluting to the body. This late Victorian sauce boat features a cast leaf-cap ...Category
Antique 1890s English Late Victorian Serving Pieces
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Meissen Porcelain Dinnerware Service for 12 PeopleBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in Tarry Town, NYBeautiful German Meissen dinnerware service for twelve people with serving pieces. The dinnerware service is in great condition. Just exquisite & ve...Category
Vintage 1960s German Rococo Dinner Plates
MaterialsGold
- Sterling Silver Gravy/Sauce BoatLocated in Vista, CASterling silver gravy/sauce boat, with attached tray.Category
Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- L. Posen 800 Silver Sauce BoatBy L. PosenLocated in Bronx, NYThis vintage early 20th century ornamental 800 silver sauce boat is beautifully designed by the German silversmith, Lazarus Posen. This exceptionally crafted silver sauce boat is des...Category
Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Serving Pieces
MaterialsSilver
- Sevres porcelain sauce boat - gilt, signed, dated 1820 - 19th centuryBy Manufacture Nationale de SèvresLocated in GRENOBLE, FRSevres porcelain sauce boat / gravy boat enhanced with fine gold. Sevres Manufacture marks and dates under the base (mark and gilt stamp) show our plate was manufactured and gilt in ...Category
Antique 19th Century French Empire Serving Pieces
MaterialsPorcelain