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.
Pair 19th Century Meissen Schneeballen Porcelain Vases
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
Pair of antique (19th century) schneeballen porcelain vases from Meissen, each approximately 20 by 11 1/2 by 9 1/2 inches and in good condition.
Porcelain
Meissen Manufactory, Pair of Trumpet-shaped Vases, Germany, Circa 1880
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in PARIS, FR
Fine pair of trumpet-shaped vases in porcelain, flaring widely at the top into an elegant, blossom-like rim. The slightly bulbous base rests on a circular foot accented with a gilded...
Porcelain
Pair of Important Porcelain Vases with Female Heads by Augustus Rex for Meissen
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This pair of important and very beautiful vases is made of ceramic with 2 female faces and beautiful and fine decors. These vases were made by Meissen manufacture after the model by ...
Porcelain
Pair of 19th Century Meissen Gold & White Neoclassical Serpent Handled Vases
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of 19th Century Meissen gold & white neoclassical serpent handled vases. Germany, circa 1880s Design attributed to E.A. Leuteritz Hard to find a pa...
Porcelain
$716Sale Price|20% Off
Meissen Cabinet Vase with Applied Fruits and Flowers
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Meissen cabinet vase with applied fruits and flowers, exquisite gourd bottle shape with numerous applied fruits and flowers, and painted with insects. ...
Porcelain
Meissen Schneeballen Covered Snowball Vase w/ Birds, Flowers, Leaves & Branches
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent and large Meissen Schneeballen (snowball) covered vase, richly adorned with a vibrant aviary and botanical ensemble in full three-dimensional relief. Crafted in the mid...
Porcelain
Antique Meissen Gilt Porcelain Trumpet Form Floral Vase
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique German porcelain vase. By Meissen. With cold-painted Streublumen floral sprays to either side and gilt bands to the rim and footrim. Fully marked to the base and wi...
Porcelain
Antique Meissen Manner Pair of Snowball Porcelain Vases
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique German Meissen manner Schneeballen Snowball lidded bottle vases. Each vase has a gilt vermiculite neck, applied white florals, and applied branches with fruits, on ...
Porcelain
$1,193Sale Price|44% Off
Early 20th Century Vase in White Porcelain by Meissen with Rose Decoration
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Sofia, BG
Tall fine vase in white porcelain with rose decoration by Meissen. Marked at the bottom. Great condition. Germany, circa 1920.
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Pot-Pourri Vase, Germany, 19th Century
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Meissen porcelain pot-pourri vase, Germany, 19th century.
Porcelain
19th Century Meissen Porcelain 'Elements' Ewer Emblematic of Water
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century Meissen porcelain 'Elements' ewer emblematic of water. Blue crossed swords mark. The present ewer, representing water,...
Porcelain
Meissen Snake Handle Vase With Flower Painting And Gilding, by Leuteritz, 20th
By Meissen Porcelain, Ernst August Leuteritz
Located in Vienna, AT
Very large double snake handle vase in baluster form on a mounted funnel-shaped stand, handles in the form of coiled snake pairs raised on the side, white and cobalt blue base, fine ...
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Pair Of Potpourri's Urn Vases
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This Meissen Porcelain Pair of Potpourri’s Urn Vases were repaired. It depicts a pair of porcelain lidded urn vases hand painted white color in the background with gilt details. The...
Porcelain
Important Pair of Meissen Porcelain Filigree Vases with Raised Flowers
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Highly Important pair of Museum Quality Louis XV Period 18th century Meissen Porcelain filigree openwork vases with a medially of flowers and vined leaves. This is truly an excepti...
Porcelain
$2,290Sale Price|34% Off
Meissen Porcelain Snakes Handle Vase, 1st Quality, Cobalt and Gold Painting
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Berlin, DE
Meissen porcelain snakes handle vase. 1st quality. Cobalt and gold painting. Small chip on the socket.
Porcelain
Pair Ormolu Mounted Meissen Porcelain Filigree Vases w/ Floral Bouquet, 1750's
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Louis XV period Meissen porcelain vases, formed in openwork lattice and mounted with original gilt bronze ormolu. Each vase rises from a pierced rocaille ormolu base into a...
Ormolu
Antique Painted and Parcel Gilt Porcelain Vase by Meissen
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in London, GB
This beautiful vase was created by the world-famous Meissen porcelain factory. Meissen was established in the early 18th century, making it the first producer of hard-paste porcelain...
Porcelain
A 19th Century Meissen Porcelain 'Elements' Ewer Emblematic of Air
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century Meissen porcelain 'Elements' ewer emblematic of air. Blue crossed swords mark. The present ewer, representing water, i...
Porcelain
Meissen Snake Handle Vase With Flower Painting And Gilding, by Leuteritz, 20th
By Meissen Porcelain, Ernst August Leuteritz
Located in Vienna, AT
Very large double snake handle vase in baluster form on a mounted funnel-shaped stand, handles in the form of coiled snake pairs raised on the side, white and cobalt blue base, fine ...
Porcelain
Pair of Meissen Vases, c1890s
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1890s, by Meissen, Germany. Perfect in any decor this pair of 19th century Meissen vases feature a timeless neoclassical form adorned with the firm'...
Porcelain
1960s Meissen Porzellan Vase 'Berlin TV-Tower' by Ludwig Zeppner, Germany
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Andernach, DE
Original studio art Meissen, the oldest porcelain manufactory in Germany. Designed by Ludwig Zeppner for Meissen around 1960. nickname is ''Fernsehturm'' (meanig tv-tower), the desig...
Porcelain
Early Meissen Cupid Group 'Allegory Summer', By J.J. Kaendler, Germany, Ca 1760
By Johann Joachim Kaendler, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent piece of Meissen porcelain of the 18th century: Four cupids wrapped in cloths grouped on a rock after the corn harvest, one leaning on the corn in the centre with a wreath ...
Porcelain
Meissen Snake Handle Vase With Flower Boquet Painting, by Leuteritz, Ca 1880
By Meissen Porcelain, Ernst August Leuteritz
Located in Vienna, AT
Very large double snake handle vase in baluster form on a mounted funnel-shaped stand, handles in the form of coiled snake pairs raised on the side, white and cobalt blue base, fine ...
Porcelain
Meissen Cupid Group With Dog And Potpourri, By J.J. Kaendler, Germany, Ca 1870
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent piece of Meissen porcelain of the 19th century: Two cupid boys wrapped in cloths, one seated on the ground and playing with a dog, the other leaning against a tree trunk pr...
Porcelain
Meissen Pate Sur Pate Vase of a Neoclassical Maiden Seated on Centaur
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century Royal Cobalt Blue Meissen Pate Sur Pate vase of a Maiden seated on a Centaur. Beautifully decorated in cobalt blue, salmon pink, 2...
Porcelain
Modernist White Porcelain Vase by Ludwig Zepner for Meissen
By Ludwig Zepner, Meissen Porcelain
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice modernist white porcelain vase by Ludwig Zepner for Meissen, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good condition with no chips or cracks and measures 2.75"D x 9.25"H and the...
Porcelain
Large Meissen Double Handle Vase w/ Lovers and Floral Panels after Watteau
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Gorgeous and large Meissen double handle vase with Watteau lovers panel and flower panel scenes. The panels are completed after the works by Jean-Antoine Watteau, the most famous F...
Porcelain
Pair of German Meissen Porcelain Cobalt Blue Vases
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vilnius, LT
Pair of antique German Meissen porcelain vases designed by August Leuteritz, decorated with snake handles, cobalt blue color and gold. Meisse...
Porcelain
Pair of Meissen Porcelain Ivy or Grapeleaf Pattern Trumpet Flower Vases
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique porcelain flower vases. By the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. In the Ivy or Grapeleaf pattern. With bands of green ...
Porcelain
"Frolicking in the Waves, " Art Deco Porcelain Vase with Nudes by Meissen
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare and lovely, this flaring porcelain vase designed by Rudi Stolle for the famed Meissen Porcelain works depicts a bas relief frieze of nude nymphs...
Porcelain
Early Meissen Cupid Group 'Allegory Autumn', By J.J. Kaendler, Germany, Ca 1760
By Johann Joachim Kaendler, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent piece of Meissen porcelain of the 18th century: Four cupids in cloths grouped together with a billy goat lying on the ground, a cupid crowned with vines sitting on the anim...
Porcelain
$2,049Sale Price|37% Off
Meissen Porcelain Snakes Handle Vase, 1st Quality, Cobalt and Gold Painting
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Berlin, DE
Meissen Porcelain snakes handle vase. 1st quality. Cobalt and gold painting.
Porcelain
Antique Meissen Groupings of Children Holding Cornucopia Vases Pair, circa 1860
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A fine and quite unusual pair of large antique Meissen porcelain groupings, with each cornucopia carried by two Meissen children / cupids, all in diff...
Porcelain
Pear Shaped Meissen Vase with Cover and Vines with Flowers and Fruits
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful early 19th century pear shaped Meissen covered vase with raised fruits, vines and flowers. The vase is finely hand painted with pink ...
Porcelain