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.
19th Century Rococo Meissen Germany Dinner Service 28 pieces
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Uppsala , SE
An extensive Meissen porcelain dinner service, from the 1860s. The set features hand-painted "Deutsche Blumen" (German flowers) and insects on "Neu Brandenstein" blanks, characteriz...
Porcelain
$790Sale Price|20% Off
Middle 20th Century Meissen Prunkteller Cobalt Gilt 11”inches
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Uppsala , SE
This antique porcelain piece is a Meissen Prunkteller (ceremonial or show plate), characterized by its relief decoration of oak leaves and acorns. Manufacturer: Meissen, Germany. De...
Porcelain
Meissen “Rote Rose” 23-Piece Porcelain Coffee Service, Germany, 20th Century
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
A beautifully preserved vintage porcelain coffee service by the Meissen manufactory, decorated in the classic Rote Rose (Pink Rose) pattern. The service features large pink rose blos...
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Dinner Service, Blue Bouquet, Rococo Style, 1940s
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Uppsala , SE
Absolutely amazing dinner service for 10 people 34 pieces Meissen Germany 1940-1950 1st factory quality Blue bouquet , gilt Delicately Hand-painted with a beautiful palette of blu...
Porcelain
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...
Brass, Enamel
Rococo Tea Coffee Service Meissen Blue Flowers First Choice 1940s
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Uppsala , SE
This Meissen porcelain Tea/coffee service features the classic "Blue Flower with Gold Grasses" (Blaue Blume mit Goldgräsern) pattern on a white body with delicate...
Porcelain
$634Sale Price / set|20% Off
20th Century Meissen Iconic Blue Onion Set Germany First Choice
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Uppsala , SE
These fine porcelain pieces are decorated with the iconic Blue Onion pattern from Meissen. This reticulated plate features the iconic blue and white "Onion" pattern, a hallmark desig...
Porcelain
$329Sale Price|30% Off
Antique German Dresden Meissen Gilded Grape Leaves Centerpiece Compote 14"
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Meissen porcelain footed cabinet plate / centerpiece bowl / serving platter / compote featuring scalloped oval form with low relief grapevines, gr...
Porcelain
Extensive 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Dinnerware Service For Twelve People
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An exceptional and extensive antique Meissen porcelain dinner service, made in Germany in the 19th century by the renowned Meissen manufactory. This complete and elegant service is d...
Porcelain
A 20th century Meissen porcelain set, Germany
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Delft, NL
A 20th century Meissen porcelain set, Germany A porcelain set, manufactured by Meissen in Germany. The set painted with bright colors, red, blue, yellow and green in floral pattern....
Porcelain
Rococo Tea Coffee Service 6 Person Meissen Floral Cobalt Gold 23 items Neuer Aus
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Uppsala , SE
This is a Meissen porcelain coffee service “Neuer Ausschnitt" shape with hand-painted floral bouquets., a cobalt blue rim, and gilded edges. The set includes a coffee pot, tea pot, c...
Porcelain
1940s Rococo Tea Service Meissen Blue Flowers First Choice
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Uppsala , SE
This Meissen porcelain Tea service features the classic "Blue Flower with Gold Grasses" (Blaue Blume mit Goldgräsern) pattern on a white body with delicate gilt rims and floral ...
Porcelain
18th Century Meissen Set 12 Baroque Porcelain Dining Dishes with Floral Decor
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brescia, IT
This baroque dining colorfully dishes set is eclectical and drawn with vibrant colors. The board is in a contemporary fuchsia color. Precious, fine, elegant and timeless dining set dishes. The Meissen manufacturer is an antique brand...
Meissen
Rare Meissen Hunter With Dog Porcelain Figure Model J80
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Atlanta, GA
Rare Meissen Hunter with Dogs Figure. Model designed circa 1785 - 1789 by Johann Carl Beauty who served as a Head of Model Department at Meissen factor...
Porcelain
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Meissen Birdcage Grouping
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Meissen Birdcage Grouping Germany Circa 1880 This enchanting 19th-century Meissen birdcage grouping, made in Germany circa 1880, is a re...
Porcelain
Meissen porcelain Rich Court Dragon cups and saucers, Germany 1960s
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Delft, NL
Meissen porcelain Rich Court Dragon cups and saucers, Germany 1960s Meissen porcelain cups and saucers in box with the Rich Court Dragon pattern. The six p...
Porcelain
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Meissen Blue Onion, Handled Three Section Shell Dish
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Meissen Blue Onion, Handled Three-Section Shell Dish Germany, late 19th century A large and magnificent 19th-century Meissen Blue Onion-handled three-section shell dis...
Porcelain
Pair of Meissen Rococo Revival Porcelain Cherub Wall Corbels
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Worcester, GB
Pair of Meissen Rococo Revival Porcelain Cherub Wall Corbels A fine and highly decorative pair of Continental porcelain wall corbels in the Meissen style, dating from the early 20th...
Porcelain
White and Gold Gilted Porcelain Plate by Meissen, Germany, 1950s
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Rijssen, NL
Porcelain plate with a rich gold decor, made by Meissen Porcelain, Germany in around 1950. It was the first porcelain factory in Europe to produce true porcelain outside of Asia. T...
Porcelain
Pair of Monumental Meissen Porcelain Rococo Floral Encrusted Potpourri Vases
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Monumental Meissen Porcelain Rococo Floral Encrusted Potpourri Vases. A monumental pair of Meissen porcelain covered potpourri vases ...
Enamel
Meissen Oval Platter of Wide in Onion Pattern, 19th Century
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Delft, NL
Meissen oval platter of 55 cm wide in onion pattern, 19th century Germany, marked with the crossed swords, since 1815 The measurements are 5...
Porcelain
$320Sale Price|53% Off
Late 19th Century Floral Meissen Oval Platter
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Large oval platter with gilt scalloped edge (minor wear) by Meissen in the scattered flowers or streublumen pattern. Crossed swords mark. c.1860-90. 18 3/8" x 13 3/8". Whitehall Ant...
Ceramic
Vintage Meissen Blue Onion Set of Cup and Saucer Blue White Porcelain
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage set of demitasse cup and saucer was made in Germany of semi-transparent bone china. It is decorated with famous Blue Onion pattern; the cup has geometric shape and the angul...
Porcelain, Ceramic
Set of 12 Antique Meissen Porcelain 'Old Ozier' Pattern Cabinet or Dinner Plates
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 12 antique, 18th century German porcelain plates. By the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. In the Old Ozier pattern. Each ...
Porcelain
$980Sale Price / set|30% Off
2 Antique Meissen German Porcelain Lidded Chocolate Tea Cups & Saucers on Stands
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Dayton, OH
Pair of exquisite antique 19th century Meissen porcelain demitasse chocolate cups with lids and saucers, decorated with pink and gold borders and landscapes with stone buildings. Bot...
Porcelain, Hardwood
$380Sale Price|49% Off
Large Meissen Oval Platter with Gilt Scalloped Edge
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Large oval platter with gilt scalloped edge (minor wear) by Meissen in the scattered flowers or streublumen pattern. Crossed swords mark. c.1860-90. 19 1/4" x 14 1/8". Whitehall Ant...
Ceramic
An Incredible 19th Century Meissen Porcelain “Elements” Ewer Emblematic of Water
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
An Incredible and Very Unusual 19th Century Meissen Porcelain “Elements” Ewer Emblematic of Water. This large porcelain ewer is modeled in flattened baluster form with a shell molde...
Porcelain
Meissen German Weiss Porcelain Garden Bird Figure
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
From a collection of white and blanc de chine figures we are pleased to offer this fine German porcelain figure of a garden bird by renowned maker Meissen ...
Porcelain
1880-1900, Meissen pierced porcelain plate - floral décor, gold accents - 9.8in
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
An exquisite pierced porcelain plate from the Meissen manufactory, hand-painted with a central bouquet of tulip, violets, and forget-me-nots, ...
Porcelain
Vintage Meissen Porcelain Cobalt Blue & Gilt Butter Pat with Deutsche Blumen
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage German porcelain butter pat or small dish. By Meissen. With painted Deutsche blumen to the center and cobalt blue with gilt accents to the rim. Marked to the...
Porcelain
$496Sale Price / set|20% Off
Meissen Blue Onion Luncheon Plates, Gilt Porcelain, Germany, 1924-34
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Uppsala , SE
Meissen Blue Onion Pierced 2 Luncheon Plates Design: Features the classic Blue Onion (Zwiebelmuster) pattern with stylized floral and fruit motifs, including peaches and pomegranate...
Porcelain
Pair Meissen Porcelain Pug Dog Figures With Pup After J.J.Kaendler
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A beautiful pair of heavy Meissen porcelain figures of Pug Dogs with gilt bell collars on blue ribbons.The larger Pug with attached pup. Exquisitely hand-painted with realistic tones and colors. Each Pug is wearing a vibrant blue color ribbon collar...
Porcelain
Meissen Blue Onion Plate by Documented Cabinetmaker, Germany, 1880
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Roma, IT
Period Meissen Signed Blue Onion Plate Wonderful and very elegant square plate made by the Meissen manufactory with "Blue Onion" decoration. Available a pair This refined plate, whi...
Porcelain
Early Meissen Porcelain Teapot circa 1715 from the Arnhold Collection
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
An early Meissen porcelain teapot made circa 1715, decorated by a Dutch hausmaler circa 1730-1740. The teapot is decorated in a Kakiemon pa...
Porcelain
Meissen Genre Group, The Discovered Lover, by J.J. Kaendler, Germany, Circa 1870
By Johann Joachim Kaendler, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare Meissen porcelain group from around 1870: Married couple on a magnificent white Rococo bed with gold-decorated rocaille ornamentation and delicate bird and insect paintings: The...
Porcelain
Vintage Meissen Porcelain Butter Pat with Deutsche Blumen and Gilt Accents
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed vintage German porcelain butter pat or small dish. By Meissen. With painted Deutsche blumen to the center and a gilt scalloped rim. Marked to the base. Perfect for ...
Porcelain
Set of 4 Meissen Aquatinta Espresso Mocha Cups & Saucers Blue Floral Porcelain
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This elegant set of four Meissen mocha / espresso cups with matching saucers showcases the refined Aquatinta blossom decoration, rendered in delicate cobalt-blue floral motifs on a p...
Porcelain
A Highly Important 19th C. Meissen Porcelain Shneeballen Snowball Covered Vase
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Highly Important 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Schneeballen Snowball Covered Vase. This covered porcelain vase is modeled in the Meissen Schneeballen, or snowball, pattern and is...
Enamel
Meissen Large Allegorical Group, The Earth, by M.V. Acier, Germany, Circa 1850
By Michel Victor Acier 1, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Meissen porcelain group of the 19th century: Depiction of the goddess Kybele, the great Phrygian mother of the gods 'Magna Mater', seated with a mural crown on a reclining ...
Porcelain
Meissen Indian Green Covered Tureen Hand Painted First Choice
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Uppsala , SE
The porcelain lidded soup tureen in the "Indische Malerei Grün" (Green Indian / Indisch Grün) pattern by the Meissen porcelain manufactory in Germany, designed on the "Neuer Ausschni...
Porcelain
Meissen Mid-18th Century Porcelain Cup with Dish White Blue and Gold
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brescia, IT
This is a small masterpiece of craftsmanship: The fine porcelain is designed with floral and natural scenes, rich in detail. A piece for refined collectors or useful to start a coll...
Porcelain
$310Sale Price|50% Off
18th Century Meissen Cup and Saucer, Marcolini Period Floral Basket, Germany
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Andernach, DE
Unique antique Neoclassical cup and matching saucer from around 1775–1780. Hand painted and hand made, this is indeed a rare find of Germans most famo...
Porcelain
19th Century Signed Meissen Porcelain Artwork
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Roma, IT
A wonderful late 19th-Century Meissen blue onion square hand painted porcelain dish. Printed and impressed "Meissen" mark on reverse. This fine blue onion platter exhibits excellen...
Porcelain
Meissen Blue Onion Ronde Plate, Chinoiserie Style, Germany, 1880
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Roma, IT
Period Meissen Signed Blue Onion Plate Wonderful and very elegant ronde plate made by the Meissen manufactory with "Blue Onion" decoration. This refined plate, which can serve as a...
Porcelain
Meissen Ming Dragon Tea Set for 5 Persons - Hand Painted Porcelain, 20th Century
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
An exceptional and refined tea set produced by the legendary Meissen manufactory, decorated in the iconic Green “Ming Dragon” pattern. This elegant ensemble represents one of Meissen...
Porcelain
Set of 24 Pieces German Meissen Porcelain Dinner Service with Floral Decor
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Atlanta, GA
A 24-piece set of German Meissen porcelain service from the 19th century, with floral decor. Born in Eastern Germany during the 19th century, each of this 24 pieces service features a lovely floral décor made of purple, pink, orange or yellow flowers with their green foliage, standing out beautifully on the white porcelain ground. Presenting large plates (9.75" D), small plates (8.5" D), bowls (9" D x 1.75" H) and a crescent dish...
Porcelain
Antique Meissen Porcelain Neu Brandenstein Fish Platter & Strainer Insert
By Johann Joachim Kaendler, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Meissen porcelain fish tray with its rare strainer. By the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. In the Neu Brandenstein Relief pattern. Or...
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
Hand-Painted Rococo Meissen Porcelain Serving Dish, Germany, 1924-1934
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Uppsala , SE
This porcelain piece is a decorative Meissen "Prunkteller" (pomp or ceremonial plate), specifically identified by its "Neuer Ausschnitt" (New Cutout) form. Produced in Meissen, Germ...
Porcelain
Pair Antique 18C Meissen Porcelain Neuozier Marcolini Period Plates with Flowers
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique Neuozier pattern plates. By the Royal Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. Decorated with Deutsche Blumen floral sprays to the center and sides including roses...
Porcelain
"Meissen" Bowls in Blue Onion pattern with Gold Edge
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Denton, TX
"Meissen" Blue Onion pattern with Gold Edge on the lace style bowl very rare.
Porcelain
Monumental Meissen Porcelain Openwork Filigree Centerpiece w/ Raised Flowers 19C
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Monumental 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Openwork Filigree Centerpiece with Relief Flowers, Vine Handles, and Painted Flower Decoration. The centerpiece features an intricate open...
Porcelain
A Meissen Porcelain Pagoda Nodding Head Figure
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A 19th century Meissen porcelain nodding head figure modeled as a seated pagoda figure, with head and hands articulated by internal counterweights. The un...
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Urn Snake Handles Amphora, Germany
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
An antique Meissen porcelain urn with snake handles amphora, circa early-20th century, Germany. This Meissen urn is hard-paste porcelain, hand painted, fea...
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
Meissen Porcelain Animal Figure, Dwarf Bulldog, By E. Hoesel, Germany, Mid-20th
By Meissen Porcelain, Erich Hoesel
Located in Vienna, AT
Depiction of a sitting and attentive dwarf bulldog looking slightly to the side with white and black fur and white collar. Designer: OSKAR ERICH HOESEL (1869 - 1951) was a German sc...
Porcelain
Two Large Seated Meissen Porcelain Wiggling Pagodas, By J.J. Kaendler, Ca 1840
By Johann Joachim Kaendler, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Depiction of two seated, smiling Chinese Buddha figures from a series of folk types: Voluminous bodies with hair tied back strictly, wearing robes that cling closely to the body, bel...
Porcelain
Large Seated Meissen Porcelain Wiggling Pagoda, By J.J. Kaendler, Circa 1860
By Johann Joachim Kaendler, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Depiction of a seated, laughing female Buddha figure from a series of folk types. Full-figured body with the hair tied back tightly and the robe tightly fitting the body with wide sl...
Porcelain
A Pair of 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Figures of a Man and Woman in Attire
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Figures of a Man and Woman in 18th C. Attire. This pair of figures depicts a man and woman in 18th-century pastoral attire, each standing on a gilt-accented rocaille base. The woman wears a cream-colored tricorn hat with a floral accent, a fitted blue bodice with detailed buttons and ruffled cuffs, and a flowing skirt with a delicate purple floral pattern. She holds a white cloth in one hand while raising the other in an expressive gesture. Her finely painted features, softly curled hair, and light blue shoes...
Porcelain
A Very Rare Meissen Porcelain Tureen and Cover with Vegetable and Lobster Top
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
An Incredible and Very Rare Meissen Porcelain Tureen and Cover with Vegetable and Lobster Top. After the model from the 'Brühlsche Allerlei' service, painted with flower sprays, the ...
Porcelain