Dresden porcelain, as a term, is the subject of some confusion. In some contexts, it refers to the hard-paste ceramic wares produced by the workshops that sprang up in and around the Saxon capital in the 19th century. In others, it denotes only the output of one of these, Sächsische Porzellanmanufaktur Dresden, known in English as simply Dresden Porcelain, which was established in 1872 in the city of Freital, Saxony.
Complicating matters further, early publications about porcelain often used “Dresden” and “Meissen” interchangeably. It is true that the cities of Dresden and Meissen are connected through their long, shared history of decorative arts production and, in fact, most Meissen porcelain was sold in Dresden, the artistic and cultural center of Saxony.
However, Meissen is the site of the factory that produced the first European porcelain, at the turn of the 18th century, while Dresden did not come into prominence until the mid-19th century, during the high point of the Rococo revival. (Porcelain originated in China, which is why many collectors still seek out what they call "Dresden china.")
And while Meissen is known for manufacturing porcelain, from clay models through finished product, Dresden is celebrated for its decorating studios, of which there were several dozen in and around the city during the 19th century. Their skilled painters often used “blanks” from Meissen as their canvases. So a piece of Dresden porcelain may have been formed and fired at Meissen, painted in Dresden, and ultimately sold in one of that city’s shops.
The figurines, plates and vases produced during the 19th century via this complex process remain appealing to this day, their bright hues and pastoral imagery typical of the Rococo revival, which brought scrollwork, shells, foliage, flowers and fruit back into vogue after decades of restrained neoclassicism and austere Gothic Revival design. Dresden figurines, which like their Meissen counterparts were inspired by the characters of the Commedia dell'Arte, have a witty, cheerful quality that has been likened to that of scenes painted by Watteau and Fragonard.
Before its near-total destruction during World War II, Dresden was home to more than 200 painting studios.
The Dresden style, however, is associated with wares bearing the blue crown mark (Meissen’s mark is a pair of cobalt blue crossed swords), which was first registered in 1883 by Richard Klemm, Donath & Co, Oswald Lorenz, and Adolph Hamann. Prominent painters from this period include Helena Wolfsohn, Franziska Hirsch, Ambrosius Lamm — whose skill in the application of metallic or lustre paints is on lavish display in this dinner service from the 1920s — and Carl Thieme, a master in floral painting, as demonstrated by his decoration on this circa 1901 ram’s head urn.
Dresden painters also used a decorative technique known as “Dresden lace.” This involved dipping real lace into liquid porcelain and applying it to a figure, which was then fired in a kiln. The fabric would burn away, leaving a fragile, crinoline-like shell — the type of delicate and whimsical detail that characterizes Dresden porcelain, one of Europe’s great ceramic traditions.
Find authentic antique Dresden porcelain on 1stDibs.
Antique Dresden Porcelain Pink Ground Lidded Urn or Covered Vase
By Meissen Porcelain, Klemm & Co., Dresden Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Dresden urn or vase. With alternating pink panel with strewn flowers and panels with depictions of gallant lovers in garden settings. High...
Porcelain
$3,550 / set
Pair of German Porcelain Parrots Signed Dresden
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Striking pair of vintage life size porcelain parrots hand decorated with vivid tropical colors and perched on tree trunks. Signed Dresden on the bottoms.
Porcelain
Rococo Revival Dresden Porcelain Footed Bowl, by Helena Wolfsohn, circa 1890
By Helena Wolfsohn, Dresden Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Rococo Revival Dresden Porcelain Footed Bowl, by Helena Wolfsohn, circa 1890 A finely hand-painted and richly modeled Rococo Revival porcelain bowl, attributed to the Helena Wolfsoh...
Porcelain
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Large Dresden Porcelain Bolognese Dog
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a Dresden Porcelain Dog Sculpture. It depicts a life size Bolognese hairy dog. He has grey and white curly hair with big black eyes. It is hallmarked Dresden.
Porcelain
$3,000Sale Price|57% Off
Rare Important Estate Original Stamped Dresden Duck Porcelain Lidded Dishes
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
We are are offering this Large PAIR of Estate Dresden Centerpiece Lidded Sculptures. Each Beautifully Handpainted with Fine Colorful Detail. Original Price $7000. Stamped on Rear. Fr...
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century Porcelain Model of a Bolognese Dog, After J. Kirchner
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous antique 19th century porcelain model of a bolognese dog, signed Deresden in Underglaze blue mark, After the Original Meissen Model by Johann G...
Porcelain
$10,222 / set
Set of 12 Dresden Porcelain Figures and Groups
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in London, GB
This charming set comprises twelve decorated figures and figural groups that one might encounter on a stroll through an 18th century town. The set includes animals, musicians, dancer...
Porcelain
Large Dresden Porcelain Standing Toy Spaniel King Charles / Pekingese, 1900s
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Toy Spaniel (King Charles/Pekingese Type) Dresden, Germany, circa 1890–191 Porcelain, underglaze and overglaze enamel This large-scale porcelain figure represents a toy spanie...
Porcelain
Antique Pair of Dresden Helena Wolfson Hand Painted Bottle Vases Floral Scenes
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Dublin, Ireland
A stylish matched pair of hand painted Dresden bottle vases, last quarter of the 19th century. Each of bulbous body form with tall slender necks, superbly hand decorated in colors...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Pottery
Large Pair Dresden porcelain lidded vases, circa 1890.
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An impressive pair Dresden, Meissen style German porcelain lidded vases. Each with Cherubs frolicking around, depicting classical hand pai...
Porcelain
Victorian Dresden Hand Painted Porcelain Courting Couple Figurine - Germany
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A ceramic figurine of a courting couple. This Victorian piece is created from a crisp white ceramic and features a man and woman perched upon a tree log. They lean into one another a...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Paint
$2,370Sale Price|42% Off
Dresden Porcelain, Amphora, Lid Vase, Urn, with Gold Painting
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Berlin, DE
Magnificent Dresden Porcelain, amphora, lid vase, urn with gold painting.
$4,500Sale Price|47% Off
Rare Important 19th C Estate Large Gorgeous Dresden Porcelain Woman with Dress
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
We are offering this Large Outstanding Estate Monumental Signed Original 19th Century Dresden Woman. German porcelain figural Woman With Intricate Lace and Rosettes throughout all Ha...
Porcelain
Large Flavia Vera Porcelain Figurine of a Woman by Giovanni Barbetta
By Dresden Porcelain, Giovanni Barbato
Located in San Diego, CA
Large limited edition flavia vera porcelain figurine of a woman by Giovanni Barbetta, circa 1990s. This finely formed bisque porcelain figurine is entirely handmade and hand-painted ...
Porcelain
$29,986 / set
Pair of Dresden Porcelain and Gilt Bronze Vases
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in London, GB
Pair of Dresden porcelain and gilt bronze vases. German, late 19th century. Measures: height 57cm, width 39cm, depth 33cm. This fine pai...
Ormolu
$2,370Sale Price|45% Off
Dresden Porcelain, Amphora, Lid Vase, Urn, with Gold Painting
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Berlin, DE
Magnificent Dresden porcelain, amphora, lid vase, urn. With gold painting.
19th Century Dresden Porcelain Box, Hand Painted Flowers With Gilt Metal Detail
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A lovely showpiece of a box with exquisite details down to it's ormolu surround and clasp. Lovely hand painted florals all over including its main painting on the top of the box as w...
Enamel, Ormolu
Scheibe Alsbach Kister Porcelain Nude Putti Riding Thuringian Goat Figurine
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Vintage Scheibe Alsbach Kister German porcelain nude putti riding thuringian goat figurine. Additional information: Materials: Porcelain Color: Pink B...
Porcelain
Magnificent Pair of Napoleon III Period Porcelain Covered Vases/ 19th Century.
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This magnificent pair of antique covered vases, dating back to the 19th century during the Napoleon III period, showcases the elegance and artistry characteristic of this iconic era....
Porcelain
Rare Set of Twelve Late 19th Century German Dresden Porcelain Collector Plates
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Rare and Fantastic Set of Twelve Late 19th Century German Dresden Collector Plates Each plate finely painted with a different historical or mythological portrait...
Porcelain
Grouping of Dresden Porcelain Flower Pickers Figurines, Carl Thieme
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Atlanta, GA
Dresden Porcelain (German, 1872-2020), circa post 1902. A grouping of 3 antique porcelain figures including: 1) Young Boy Picking Flowers 2) Young Girl Collecting Flowers 3) Lady With Basket...
Porcelain
Antique Dresden Porcelain Reticulated Fruit Basket and Stand by Adolf Hamann
By Adolf Hamann, Dresden Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A delicate and intricately worked antique Dresden Porcelain Fruit Basket and Underplate. The form is rare and a technical tour de force. Few of ...
Porcelain
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Richard Klemm Dresden Miniature Porcelain Portrait Cabinet Vase of Antoinette
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an excellent high quality porcelain vase. It is depicting a portrait of Antoinette in the center framed with gilt wreath of olives leaves against ...
Porcelain
DRESDEN porcelain sculpture molded and painted by hand. Early 20th cent.
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Torino, IT
Porcelain Sculpture by DRESDEN modeled and painted entirely by hand. ORIGIN Germany PERIOD Early twentieth century MARK Manufacture of DRESDEN MATERIALS Molded porcelain and hand...
Porcelain
Antique Signed Dresden Porcelain Urn Vase in Pink Gilded Handles Courting Scene
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Greer, SC
Stunning large antique Dresden porcelain vase in the shape of an urn, featuring a luscious pink color with gilded accents and a courting scene. Signed / hallmarked " Dresden " with w...
Porcelain
$1,200 / set
Dresden Porcelaine 'Signed' Candlestick
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Miami, FL
Very refined and elegant pair. Delicate shape and original piece of art. Extremly delicate colors, garlands of flowers. From the quality and the design, will fit in any refined inter...
Porcelain
Antique Heufel & Co Dresden Hand Painted Porcelain 10" Vase
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This exceptional late 19th century porcelain cabinet vase was hand painted at the Dresden based studio of Georg Heufel & Co. The artist signed vase has a slightly flared cylindr...
Porcelain
German Pair of Dresden Male & Female Bulldog Porcelain Figures
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Los Angeles, CA
German Pair of Dresden Male & Female Bulldog Porcelain Figures (Late 19th Century).
Porcelain
$1,639Sale Price|27% Off
H 5.12 in W 5.71 in D 4.93 in
Antique Silver Rococo Style Sugar Bowl, Decorative Objects Gold Gilding Inside
Located in Wembley, GB
Antique Silver Sugar Bowl with Lid Rococo Style, Gilt Interior, Collectible An exceptional antique silver box or decorative sugar bowl, exquisitely crafted in the Rococo style with o...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
19th Century Dresden Porcelain Decorative Urn
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Mid-19th century large Dresden gold gilt with painted scene design details porcelain decorative urn / vase. The urn / vase is in good antique condition. M...
Gold
Large Dresden Gilt Porcelain Covered Decorative Urn
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Large Dresden gilt porcelain covered decorative urn with exterior painted design details. The piece / urn is in great condition. Minor wear consistent with age / use. Maker's mark un...
Gold
Rosenthal Porcelain Borzoi Dog Sculpture
By Rosenthal
Located in Norwood, NJ
Porcelain dog sculpture, Borzoi/ Russian Wolfhound, depicting a Borzoi lying on the floor with outstretched forelegs, naturalistic polychrome painted , signed on the back above the standing edge. This vintage detailed Borzoi figurine...
Porcelain
$4,050
H 11.82 in W 19.69 in D 11.82 in
Porcelain Figure Group of Venus and Muses Samson 19th Century, Sevres French
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Lantau, HK
Porcelain figure group of Venus coronation and muses Samson after the style of Sevres, hand painted pastel colors, beautifully detailed artwork 19th century, French Marked Sevres Di...
Porcelain
$2,274Sale Price|20% Off
H 14.97 in W 14.97 in D 9.85 in
Large Foo Dog Guardian Lion Blue Porcelain Sculpture
Located in Barcelona, ES
Large Size Male Guardian Lion Foo Dog in Turquoise Blue Glazed Porcelain Algora Porcelains Designed from 1920 to 1949. This is a male guardian lion sculpture, is recognized as it is ...
Ceramic
$6,000
H 11.82 in W 11.82 in D 19.69 in
Porcelain Figure Group Playing the Blind Man's Buff 19th Century, German
Located in Lantau, HK
Porcelain figure group playing the Blind man's buff Beautifully crafted artwork, hand painted 19th century, French. Dimensions: 50 x 30 x 30 cm (approximate).
Porcelain
KPM Porcelain Model of a Parrot, Late 19th Century
By KPM Porcelain
Located in London, GB
A KPM porcelain model of a parrot German, late 19th century Measures: Height 23cm, width 12cm, depth 9cm Marked for KPM, the leading German porcelain makers, this charming and ...
Porcelain
$2,920Sale Price|20% Off
H 9 in W 13.77 in D 7 in
Rococó Porcelain Figural Cherub Jardinière or Centerpiece Bowl by Meissen
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Miami, FL
19th century Austrian porcelain centerpiece bowl or jardinière beautifully enameled in rich colors with floral sprays and gilt highlig...
Porcelain
Vintage Duck Figurine Figure Couple Blue Chinese Porcelain
Located in Poperinge, BE
A charming pair of figurines of an Indian runner duck, also known as a bottle duck, made of turquoise and purple glazed Chinese porcelain, 20th century, unmarked. These beautiful du...
Porcelain
$350
H 6 in W 5.75 in D 4 in
Victorian Dresden Hand Painted Porcelain Courting Couple Figurine - Germany
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A ceramic figurine of a courting couple. This Victorian piece is created from a crisp white ceramic and features a man and woman perched upon a tree log. They lean into one another a...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Paint
Large Porcelain Dog Sculpture in form of a Bloodhound 1950s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture, anonymous, Italy 1950s. Glazed clay. Representing a bloodhound. Measurements: H: 86 cm/ 2' 7/8" W: 50 cm/ 1' 7 3/4" D: 40 cm/ 1' 3 7/8"
Clay
Sold
H 11 in W 3 in D 2.5 in
Antique Meissen Dresden Vase Urn Centerpiece Turquoise Blue Green Gilt Dragon
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Fine German Hard Paste Turquoise Green Blue Dresden Porcelain Tall Ovoid formed Mantle or Desk Vases, late Nineteenth early Twentieth Century. Complete with its original dome shape...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Sold
H 27.5 in Dm 13 in
Impressive Hand Painted / Decorated German Dresden Porcelain Urn / Centerpiece
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Elevate your home decor with this exquisite three-part German Dresden Porcelain Decorative Covered Urn, a masterpiece of artistic craftsmanship and timeless beauty. This stunning urn...
Gold
Sold
H 11.25 in W 9 in D 9.5 in
Antique Carl Thieme German Dresden Footed Reticulated Baroque Compote 11"
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Carl Thieme German Dresden centerpiece compote. Made of porcelain featuring high relief footed base and reticulated / pierced scalloped bowl with two colonial figures, a man...
Porcelain
Pair, Antique Dresden Pierced Porcelain Dessert Compotes
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Atlanta, GA
Dresden Germany, 20th century. A pair of antique compotes produced by the famous Dresden porcelain factory. Each compote is hand painted and decorated with a vast floral color array...
Porcelain
Dresden Covered Porcelain Urn Vases, Pair
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Dresden German porcelain urn vases with lids, the ceramic vessels hand-painted with polychrome floral designs on yellow grounds with gilt a...
Porcelain
Sold
H 4.75 in W 5 in D 4.75 in
Louis XVI Style Sèvres Style Ram Motif Flower Pot Cache Pot, Carl Thieme Dresden
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Louis XVI Style Sèvres Style Ram Motif Flower Pot Cache Pot, Carl Thieme Dresden Dresden, circa 1900s The Louis XVI style Sèvres style ram motif flower pot cache pot is a remarkable ...
Porcelain
Fine Late 19th Century Dresden Parcel-Gilt and Biscuit Porcelain Jardinière
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine quality late 19th century Dresden parcel-gilt and biscuit porcelain jardinière. The border moulded with cherubs and applied with rams’ heads above a relief of putti with ga...
Porcelain
Sold
H 8 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in
Antique German Helena Wolfson Dresden Three Handle Loving Cup Vase Urn 19thCent
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An exceptionally fine quality hand painted Dresden stoneware three handle loving cup of traditional circular flared outline and generous size. Last half of the nineteenth century. With three hand painted classical scenes of Ladies in landscape in Eighteenth century dress, separated by three large lavish gilded handles. This wonderful piece is supported by three gilded claw feet. *In our opinion and the quality of painted decoration these pieces were decorated by Dresden studio of Helena Wolfson...
Porcelain
Sold
H 9.75 in W 14.5 in D 9.5 in
Antique Dresden Capodimonte Porcelain Lace Music Room Group Cello Piano
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique late 1800’s Dresden capodimonte figure group showing two figures playing cello and harpsichord/piano forte while two other figures da...
Porcelain
Porcelain Smoking Monkey with Pipe by Carl Thieme for Dresden
By Dresden Porcelain, Carl Thieme
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical porcelain smoking monkey with pipe by artist Carl Thieme for Dresden, circa 1920s. This finely formed porcelain figurine is entirely handmade ...
Porcelain
Set of 10 Dresden Porcelain Musician Monkeys in Meissen Style
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Paris, FR
Set of 10 rococo-style monkey musicians in Dresden porcelain with lovely gold highlights. Each one is playing a different instrument, the whole ensem...
Porcelain
German Porcelain Bulldogs, Dresden, Late 19th Century
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Three German porcelain Bulldogs, probably Dresden, late 19th century. Perfect condition. Small - H: 10 cm, W: 11 cm, D: 5 cm Large - H: 11 cm, W: ...
Porcelain