Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
German
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.
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Creator: Dresden Porcelain
19th Century Dresden Porcelain Potpourri Lidded Bowl
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Basildon, GB
19th Century Dresden Porcelain Potpourri Lidded Bowl, with a rounded, lobed form with a domed lid, and a scalloped rim and handle with applied floral elements (leaves and a berry). T...
Category
Late 19th Century German Rococo Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of German Dresden Tall Parrots
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful pair of Dresden Porcelain Parrots we recently acquired of of a local estate. While we generally focus on 20th century design we found these attractive pieces too interest...
Category
Early 20th Century German Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Dresden Floral Encrusted & Pierced Porcelain Compote
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This early 20th-century Dresden floral encrusted and pierced porcelain compote retains the timeless elegance and sophisticated craftsmanship associated with the legendary Dresden por...
Category
Early 20th Century German Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Dresden Floral Encrusted & Pierced Porcelain Compote
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This early 20th-century Dresden floral encrusted and pierced porcelain compote retains the timeless elegance and sophisticated craftsmanship associated with the legendary Dresden por...
Category
Early 20th Century German Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Set of 2 Signed Richard Klemm Dresden Porcelain Demitasse Cups & Saucers
By Dresden Porcelain, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 2 Dresden porcelain demitasse cups and saucers.
By Richard Klemm.
The cups with slightly tapered sides and a flattened c-shaped handle. The saucer with a broad rim an...
Category
Early 20th Century German Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of German Dresden Tall Parrots
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful pair of Dresden Porcelain Parrots we recently acquired of of a local estate. While we generally focus on 20th century design we found these attractive pieces too interest...
Category
Early 20th Century German Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Cobalt Dresden Porcelain Charger with Hand-painted Scene of Lovers
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Boston, MA
I would like to offer you this fabulous cobalt Dresden charger hand-painted with a scene of lovers. It was made by Richard Klemm Dresden in aroun...
Category
1890s German Rococo Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
6 Antique German Dresden Meissen Klemm Carl Thieme Pitcher Tea Cups Plates
By Meissen Porcelain, Klemm & Co., Dresden Porcelain
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique lot includes creamer, demitasse cup, and two bone dishes by Dresden, one demitasse cup by Meissen, and one candlestick by Klemm.
Dimensions:
Creamer - 3.5" x 3.25" / Demitas...
Category
Early 20th Century Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Dresden Tea Set with Hand-Painted Flowers and Raised Figural Faces of Ladies
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Boston, MA
I want to offer you this fabulous Helena Wolfson Dresden tea set decorated with hand-painted flower bouquets and raised figural faces of ladies. It inc...
Category
1890s German Rococo Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain, Cedar
Antique Dresden Porcelain Reticulated Fruit Basket and Stand by Adolf Hamann
By Dresden Porcelain, Adolf Hamann
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 ...
Category
Late 19th Century German Neoclassical Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
19th Century Dresden Porcelain Potpourri Lidded Bowl
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Basildon, GB
19th Century Dresden Porcelain Potpourri Lidded Bowl, with a rounded, lobed form with a domed lid, and a scalloped rim and handle with applied floral elements (leaves and a berry). T...
Category
Late 19th Century German Rococo Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Antique 19th C. Dresden Porcelain Center Bowl Floral And Gilt Decorations
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in New Orleans, LA
A stunning, antique 1860’s Dresden porcelain centerpiece with floral transfer ware and gilt decoration now fitted with a later, quality removable copper liner.
Most of the early ...
Category
1860s German Rococo Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Copper
Fantastic German TOILET in Ebonized Wood and Dresden Porcelain 19th Century
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Madrid, ES
Fantastic TOILET
German in ebonized wood and German Dresden porcelain.
Polychrome decoration with embossed flowers with puttis and two drawers.
19th Century
Dim.: 155 x 54 x 46 cm
...
Category
Late 19th Century German Rococo Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain, Wood
Set of 6 Signed Richard Klemm Dresden Porcelain Condiment Serving Bowls
By Dresden Porcelain, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 6 small Dresden porcelain twin-handled bowls.
By Richard Klemm.
Perfect for use as condiment or pickle dishes.
With a tapered, shaped body, a scalloped rim, and twi...
Category
Early 20th Century German Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Pair, Fine Dresden Porcelain Reticulated Pierced Rose Bud Baskets C. 1910
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite pair of Dresden porcelain baskets, dating to circa 1910, showcases the exceptional artistry and attention to detail for which Dresden porcelain is celebrated.
The i...
Category
Early 20th Century German Baroque Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Large Antique Richard Klemm Dresden Porcelain Platter with Deutsche Blumen Decor
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine and large Dresden porcelain tray or platter by Richard Klemm.
With a ribbed, scalloped border and deep central well.
Richly decorated with ...
Category
Late 19th Century German Rococo Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Two Antique Dresden Hand-Painted Reticulated Cabinet Plates
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A finely worked pair of antique Dresden reticulated cabinet plates.
Each with hand-painted decoration.
Diameter: ca. 9 1/2 in.
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Eight plates by dresden manufactory porcelain
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very beautiful suite of eight plates by dresden porcelain .A scalloped edge and openwork, a reticulated border with panels of garlands of flowers and a paited center with a very beau...
Category
1890s German Rococo Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Set of 12 Dresden Hand Painted Watteau Subjects Dinner Plates Carl Thieme
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a set of 12 hand painted Dresden dinner plates depicing Classic Watteau scenes surrounding the borders with masterfully hand painted centers, each a unique scene. The central...
Category
1910s German Vintage Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
A Pair of 19th Century Dresden Porcelain Nodding Head Figures seated on Pillows
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of 19th Century Dresden Porcelain Nodding Head Figures. Each figure is seated cross-legged on a vibrant magenta base with gilded scroll feet, designed with articulated heads, hands, and tongues that nod and move with gentle motion. The figures are dressed in ornately decorated robes featuring hand-painted floral patterns and delicate gilded accents. The female figure is distinguished by her blue bow and scalloped collar, while the male figure features a bold mustache and geometric details. The intricate mechanics and artistic detailing of these nodding figures...
Category
1870s German Chinoiserie Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
12 Lamm Dresden Arts & Crafts Raised Paste Gold & Cream Dinner Service Plates
By Dresden Porcelain, Ambrosius Lamm
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This set of 12 dinner plates are made by the iconic Ambrosius Lamm Dresden in a rare Arts & Crafts style decoration featuring a clear white cent...
Category
1920s German Arts and Crafts Vintage Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Collection of Fourteen Porcelain Plates by Various German Makers
By Dresden Porcelain, Meissen Porcelain
Located in London, GB
Collection of fourteen porcelain plates by various German makers
German, circa 1900
Measures: Largest height 4cm, diameter 23cm
Smallest height 3cm, diameter 19cm
Each of the f...
Category
Early 1900s German Rococo Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
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...
Category
Early 1900s German Louis XVI Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
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...
Category
Late 19th Century German Belle Époque Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Six Dresden Reticulated Painted Watteau Scenic Cabinet Plates by Carl Thieme
By Dresden Porcelain, Carl Thieme
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Six Dresden reticulated painted Watteau scenic cabinet plates by Carl Thieme, each one exquisitely painted and gilt with a different garden scene. ...
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Dresden porcelain cabinet plate depicting the Madonna after Raphael
By (after) Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino), Dresden Porcelain
Located in London, GB
Antique Dresden porcelain cabinet plate depicting the Madonna after Raphael
German, c. 1880
Height 2.5cm, diameter 19.5cm
This finely painte...
Category
Late 19th Century German Renaissance Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
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...
Category
19th Century German Baroque Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Pair Dresden Porcelain Swans
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Brighton, Sussex
Pair Dresden porcelain hand painted Swans each with wonderful bold colouring, signed to the base in blue Dresden and stamped. Measure: 11".
Category
Early 20th Century German Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Dresden, Blue Bird & Floral Porcelain Plaque, Signed, Germany, circa 2002
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Chatham, ON
DRESDEN - Blue bird and floral porcelain plaque - beautiful and fine hand painting with a subtle shaded background - signed GP and dated lower right - impressed mark on the back side...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Set of 12 Antique Dresden White Porcelain Dinner Plates with Gilt Decoration
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This set of 12 antique porcelain dinner plates were made by the renowned Dresden factory of Germany in approximately 1890 in a Rococo R...
Category
Late 19th Century German Rococo Revival Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Dresden Porcelain Place Card Holders
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of 12 porcelain Dresden place card holders. With hand-painted flowers and gold trim.
Category
Mid-19th Century European Baroque Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
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...
Category
Early 20th Century German Rococo Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Large 19th Century Porcelain Plaque
By Dresden Porcelain
Located in London, GB
A beautiful mid-19th century porcelain plaque of a semi-nude woman in a blue toga, reclining by a lake and reading a book.
Probably German, Dresden factory, circa 1860.
Category
Late 19th Century German Antique Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
Materials
Porcelain
Dresden Porcelain serveware, ceramics, silver and glass for sale on 1stDibs.
Dresden porcelain serveware, ceramics, silver and glass are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of porcelain and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Dresden Porcelain serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original serveware, ceramics, silver and glass by Dresden Porcelain were created in the Rococo style in europe during the 19th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider serveware, ceramics, silver and glass by Michel Victor Acier, Johann Joachim Kändler, and Nymphenburg Porcelain. Prices for Dresden Porcelain serveware, ceramics, silver and glass can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $100 and can go as high as $36,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,872.
Creators Similar to Dresden Porcelain
Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM)
Questions About Dresden Porcelain Serveware, Ceramics, Silver and Glass
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024The famous porcelain from Dresden is usually just referred to as Dresden porcelain. However, its maker is Sächsische Porzellan-Manufaktur Dresden GmbH, which translates to Saxon Porcelain Manufactory in Dresden Ltd. The company opened in Potschappel, a suburb of Freital in the Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge district of Dresden, in 1872. Find a variety of Dresden porcelain on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024The history of Dresden Porcelain began with the founding of Sächsische Porzellanmanufaktur Dresden by Carl-Johann Gottlob Thieme in 1872 in the city of Freital, Saxony. During the decades that followed, his son-in-law Carl August Kuntzsch joined the company and pioneered the process of adding ornate floral ornamentation to porcelain. When Thieme died in 1912, Kuntzsch took up the reins of Dresden Porcelain. The company saw a decline during World War I and II. During the period after the Second World War, the Soviet Union gradually assumed control of Dresden Porcelain, renaming it VEB Sächsische Porzellan-Manufaktur Dresden. The reunification of Germany in 1990 allowed the company to return to private ownership. A French investor group purchased it in 1991 and then sold it to the Dresden IPV group, led by art patron Jürgen Wegener, in 1993. Gunther Seifert and Klaus-Peter Arnold bought out the group following its bankruptcy in 1998, only to resell it to Geschwister Hillebrand GmbH in 2005. Explore a selection of Dresden Porcelain on 1stDibs.