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.
Important Meissen Porcelain Figural Clock Group on Original Marked Plinth
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Lisse, NL
Crossed Swords with Star • Late 18th Century Porcelain • Museum Quality. An exceptional and highly important Meissen porcelain figural clock group, representing one of the manufacto...
Enamel, Brass
Louis XV Ormolu Mntd. Meissen Porcelain Chinoiserie Elephant Clock w/ Snail
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
An Exceptionally Rare 18th Century Louis XV Ormolu Mounted Meissen Porcelain Chinoiserie Elephant, Snail, and Flower Mantel Clock. The clock drum is painted with floral reserves on a yellow-ground porcelain case, surmounted by a seated monkey modeled in cream-glazed porcelain. The dial is inscribed “MILLOT / Her DU ROY,” referring to the Parisian clockmaker Millot, horloger du roi, and retains its original single-barrel movement with platform lever escapement. The interior of the case bears a stamped “B.” The entire composition is supported by a scrolling structure of polychrome porcelain flowers mounted on ormolu branches, leading to a central Meissen figure seated on a saddled elephant, positioned on an elaborately cast gilt bronze rocaille base. The composition centers around a chinoiserie theme, which was highly fashionable in mid-18th century France, particularly during the reign of Louis XV. In this example, the chinoiserie elements are expressed through the seated porcelain figure in Chinese dress, riding atop a caparisoned elephant with a vibrantly painted red and gold saddle and bright yellow cushion. The elephant, modeled with expressive naturalism, features finely detailed ears, trunk, and legs in Meissen’s distinctive hand-painted porcelain, with further ornamentation in applied gilding. Surrounding the central figure and timepiece is an elaborate framework of metal branches issuing dozens of individually modeled porcelain blossoms. These include peonies, roses, and tulips in various stages of bloom, each petal uniquely hand-shaped and painted in hues of lilac, ivory, pink, and violet, with naturalistic green leaves extending outward on slender bronze stems. The gilt bronze mount is executed in the Rococo taste, with asymmetrical shell forms, Snails, C-scrolls, and foliate scrollwork typical of French bronze work from the Louis XV period. The ormolu is mercury-gilded, a process common in the 18th century which involved the application of an amalgam of gold and mercury to the surface of the bronze, followed by firing to vaporize the mercury. This technique created a matte yet luminous surface, prized for its depth and lasting quality. The ormolu is cast in a deeply three-dimensional style, with scrolled feet and boldly molded foliate ornaments that cradle the base of the Meissen elephant...
Ormolu
A Very Large Rare Meissen Porcelain 3 Piece Clock & Candelabra Garniture Set
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Very Large and Rare German Ormolu Mounted Meissen Porcelain Three Piece Clock & Candelabra Garniture Set. This impressive set consists of three pieces: a center clock and two candelabras, each adorned with the most intricate and delicate details that have been executed to perfection. Each three armed candelabra is remarkably elaborate with foliate arms that are embellished with gilt-covered beautifully twisted branches and curling leaves on an ornate botanically-inspired base. Embraced by the arms of the candelabras are two 18th Century Meissen Porcelain figures of musical lovers, dressed in brightly detailed traditional clothes. The round clock face, with roman numerals, a white base, and ornate hands is surrounded by a flourish of gorgeous gilt foliage, exuding an air of elegance and refinement. Perched atop the clock is a stunning Meissen Porcelain figurine of a beautiful woman posed in mid-movement, her dress aflutter, and baring her leg as she gazes up at her left hand which is holding a bunch of grapes, while also grasping a wine goblet in her lowered right hand, representing the festivities of the moment. Surrounding the clock and extending down both sides the gilt foliate leads the eye to two cherubs each admiring tiny vases of exquisitely detailed flowers. Below the cherubs, on either side, are four white ceramic pillars...
Bronze
Meissen clock garniture, 19th Century
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A very impressive, fine quality 19th Century Meissen porcelain clock garniture, having putti surround the clock and pair of candelabra representing the four seasons, the enamel clock...
Porcelain
19th C. Meissen Porcelain Rococo Musician's Clock & Candelabra Garniture Set
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
An impressive and rare 19th century Meissen Porcelain Musicians clock and Candelabra Garniture set. Comprised of three individual pieces, w...
Porcelain
Meissen porcelain 19th century mantle clock.
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brighton, Sussex
An impressive 19th Century Meissen porcelain mantle clock on stand. Depicting seated lovers with a garland of flowers. The white enamel clock face ...
Porcelain
Exquisite 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Clock Case and Stand
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Miami, US
This stunning Meissen porcelain clock case and stand exemplifies the luxurious Rococo style of the 19th century, characterized by its elegant shell and foliate scroll silhouette. The...
Porcelain
19th Century Meissen clock depicting the four seasons.
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th Century German, Meissen porcelain clock on stand, having wonderful bold traditional colours, the figures representing the four seasons. The clock striking on...
Porcelain
Large Rococo Style Porcelain Mantel Clock by Meissen
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in London, GB
Large Rococo style porcelain mantel clock by Meissen German, 19th century Measures: Height 66cm, width 33cm, depth 25cm This superb mantel clock is a truly wonderful example of ...
Porcelain
Copy - 19th Century Meissen clock depicting the four seasons.
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th Century German, Meissen porcelain clock on stand, having wonderful bold traditional colours, the figures representing the four seasons. The clock striking on...
Porcelain
Large Meissen Group, Crinoline Lady Playing With Child, Paul Scheurich, Mid-20th
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Finest Meissen Porcelain Figurine Group: Seated crinoline lady in an elaborate costume: under the wide skirt, partially turned up at the hem, you can see the pleated petticoat with a...
Porcelain
19th Century German Meissen Porcelain Mantel Clock, Hand-Painted
Located in Queens, NY
German Meissen (19th Century) porcelain group of men and women with floral and bronze branches around mantel clock (not working)
Bronze
Antique German Three Piece Porcelain Clock Garniture
Located in Montreal, QC
For those who enjoy the fine quality of blue and white German porcelain from the middle of the last century, this is a particularly fin...
Porcelain
$20,505
H 23.23 in W 18.9 in D 10.63 in
Louis XV ormolu mantel clock by Charles du Tertre, in the Chinoiserie style
Located in London, GB
The case of this Louis XV period mantel clock is attributed to Jean Joseph de Saint-Germain (Paris, 1719-1791). Decorated with a scrolled leaf motif throughout, the fine case is surmounted by an Asian figure in costume, holding a parasol and sitting on a throne. The clock itself was created by Nicolas Charles du...
Bronze, Enamel
$28,500 / set
H 29 in W 19.13 in D 9.75 in
A French 19th C. Louis XV Style Ormolu Cherub Clock & Candelabra Garniture Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Assembled Very Fine French 19th Century Louis XV Style Gilt Bronze and White Marble Figural Mantel Clock and Candelabra Garniture Set. The finely chased ormolu clock body, with it...
Marble, Bronze, Ormolu
Large Rococo Style Porcelain Mantel Clock by Meissen
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in London, GB
Large Rococo style porcelain mantel clock by Meissen German, 19th century Measures: Height 66cm, width 33cm, depth 25cm This superb mantel clock is a truly wonderful example of ...
Porcelain
Exquisite 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Clock Case and Stand
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Miami, US
This stunning Meissen porcelain clock case and stand exemplifies the luxurious Rococo style of the 19th century, characterized by its elegant shell and foliate scroll silhouette. The...
Porcelain
$8,000
H 21 in W 13 in D 7 in
19th Century Meissen Porcelain & Gilt Bronze Clock by Japy Frères Grand Med
By Japy Frères
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classical Meissen porcelain and gilt bronze clock by Japy Frères Grand Med D'Honneur. Made in France, 19th Century. *Each porcelain has its correspondent stamp / signed. Dimensions:...
Bronze
19th Century Meissen clock depicting the four seasons.
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th Century German, Meissen porcelain clock on stand, having wonderful bold traditional colours, the figures representing the four seasons. The clock striking on...
Porcelain
Louis XV Chinoiserie Style Gilt Bronze Cartel Clock by Raingo Freres
Located in New York, NY
French 19 century Louis XV style Chinoiserie motif gilt bronze cartel clock works signed Raingo Freres.
Bronze
$61,264
H 27.56 in W 25.6 in D 9.85 in
Majestic 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Candelabras and Clock Garniture
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Wonderful imperial antique french gilt bronze garniture with clock and a pair of candelabras very finely hand worked with nice floral design and beautiful angels, very decorative for...
Bronze
$1,956
H 25.6 in W 11.03 in D 4.73 in
Table clock, Ormolu París, Circle H-Charles Balthasar Louis XV clockmaker
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind and elegant French-made mantel clock from the late 18th century, designed in the Louis XV style with a Paris mechanical movement and striking the hours and half-hours....
Ormolu
$1,095
H 13 in W 6.75 in D 5.5 in
Antique 19th Century Vincenti & Cie French Boulle Style Mantle Clock
Located in Victoria, BC
A lovely antique 19th Century French Boulle Style Mantle Clock. Recently serviced and working well, this clock features a faux tortoise shell veneer and bronze gilded accents around the entire clock. Enamel roman numerals are featured on the clock face overlaying a nicely detailed gilded face. Signed "LEPAUVRE ROUEN" on face. Some minor loss to the veneer as seen in the pictures. Some of the gilded overlay is peeling up in some minor areas as seen in the pictures. The Lepauvre Rouen enamel...
Bronze
Sold
H 14.57 in W 23.63 in D 9.06 in
Meissen Art Deco Mantle Clock with Two Putti, by Paul Scheurich, 1924-1934
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Meissen Rococo Style Piece of Art: On a curved base plate with a diamond-patterned marble-effect finish, sculpted cushions adorned with tassels, upon which sit a girl and a...
Porcelain
Sold
H 19.3 in W 12.41 in D 9.45 in
Meissen Splendour Clock 'The Four Seasons' With Pedestal, Leuteritz, Ca. 1880
By Ernst August Leuteritz, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
The clock was designed by Leuteritz using old moulds in the Rococo style: The case rises up on three sturdy rocaille feet heightened in gold, lavishly decorated with delicate, three-...
Porcelain
A Very Large and Impressive 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Bird Clock
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Very Large and Quite Impressive 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Bird Clock. From the top, a group of baby birds is perched in a nest being fed by their mother with the father bird standing guard. Each baby birds head is seen pushed up above the nest with their mouths open waiting to be fed. Moving downwards from the top are two birds perched on either side of the face. On the right side of the clock sits a brown bird with its head bowed looking towards the time.On the opposite side of the clock is a yellow canary facing out away from the clock. The canary is sitting atop an offshoot of one of the branches that runs along the entirety of the sides of the clock, from which the flowers and leaves are attached. Around the dial of the clock is an ornate wreath filled with hand-painted flowers, adding depth and color to the piece. The floral wreath is carefully crafted, each bloom individually crafted to bring life to the clock and draw your eyes to the central dial. On the bottom of the clock, is a pair of parrots that are looking into both the porcelain and the clock face. These two parrots are painted by hand. The parrot on the left is painted with red, yellow, and blue enamils while the parrot on the right is painted in green, red, and yellow enamils. The rest of the clock is covered in flowers that are hand-molded, hand-carved, hand-painted, then fired before being applied to the clock. These flowers come in a myriad of colors including orange, purple, blue, yellow, green, pink, and white. Meissen Porcelain, established in 1710 in Germany, is one of the oldest and most respected porcelain manufacturers in Europe. Known for its high-quality porcelain and intricate hand-painted designs, Meissen pioneered many techniques that set the standard for fine European porcelain...
Porcelain
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H 17.72 in W 12.21 in D 6.3 in
Meissen Splendour Clock 'The Four Seasons' by E.A. Leuteritz, Around 1880
By Ernst August Leuteritz, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
The clock was designed by Leuteritz in the Rococo style using old moulds: The case rises up on three sturdy rocaille feet heightened in gold, lavishly decorated with delicate, three...
Porcelain
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H 27.56 in W 12.6 in D 8.27 in
Large Meissen Splendour Clock, Crowned By Jupiter, J.J. Kaendler, Germany, 1860
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Clock case rising on a rock pillar on five sturdy, gold-highlighted rocaille feet, richly decorated with elaborately sculpted flowers, leaves and rocailles surrounding the dial, crow...
Porcelain
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H 25.99 in W 11.82 in D 8.67 in
Large Meissen Splendour Clock 'Gardeners And Flowers' by E.A. Leuteritz, Ca 1880
By Meissen Porcelain, Ernst August Leuteritz
Located in Vienna, AT
The clock case was designed by Ernst August Leuteritz using old forms in the Rococo style: A rock pedestal, on which four gardener figures play music and dance, rises on five sturdy,...
Porcelain
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H 19.3 in W 12.41 in D 9.45 in
Meissen Splendour Clock With Gardener Figures On Pedestal by Leuteritz, Ca 1880
By Meissen Porcelain, Ernst August Leuteritz
Located in Vienna, AT
The clock and the pedestal were designed by Leuteritz using old forms in the Rococo style: The clock case rises on a rock base with gold heightened rocailles, richly decorated with d...
Porcelain
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H 16.34 in W 9.45 in D 7.49 in
Meissen Splendour Clock 'The Four Seasons' by E.A. Leuteritz, Around 1880
By Ernst August Leuteritz, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
The clock case was designed by Ernst August Leuteritz using old moulds in the Rococo style: The clock case rises on a base with gold-highlighted rocailles, richly decorated with deli...
Porcelain
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H 14.38 in W 23.23 in D 9.26 in
Meissen Art Déco Mantle Clock with Two Putti by Paul Scheurich 1934-1947
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Meissen Rococo Style Piece of Art: On a curved base plate with diamond pattern in marble look, sculptured cushions with tassel decoration, on the side seated figures, girl ...
Porcelain
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H 17.33 in W 9.45 in D 5.52 in
Meissen Splendour Clock With Flora And Flowers By J.J. Kaendler, Gernamy Ca 1860
By Johann Joachim Kaendler, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Clock case rising on a column with a three-passage base, richly decorated with rocailles and delicate, plastically formed flowers and leaves surrounding the dial, crowned by a flora...
Porcelain
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H 13.78 in W 6.7 in D 4.34 in
Meissen Splendour Clock with Flowers by J.J. Kaendler, Gernamy Around 1850
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Clock case rising on four gold heightened rocaille feet, richly decorated with delicate, vividly formed flowers, leaves and rocaille surrounding the dial, laterally pierced like a la...
Porcelain
French 19th Century Louis XV St. Meissen Porcelain and Ormolu Clock
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exceptional and most decorative French 19th century Louis XV st. Meissen porcelain and ormolu clock signed Meissen and Crosnier. The clock is raised by a beautiful scrolled ground...
Ormolu