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.
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
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
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
Antique Meissen Porcelain Figurine of a Girl with Flower Basket
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique German porcelain figurine. By Meissen. In the form of a barefoot young girl in a dirndl dress carrying a wicker basket full of many different flowers. Atop a Rococo-style gilt plinth. Marked to the base with Meissen's blue underglaze crossed swords mark / an impressed 9 / an incised 'No. 5'. Simply a wonderful antique Meissen figurine...
Porcelain
$1,160Sale Price|20% Off
Meissen Blue Onion Figural Scalloped Oval Tureen
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Meissen Blue Onion Figural Scalloped Oval Tureen Germany, late 19th century A magnificent 19th-century Meissen Blue Onion Figural Scalloped Oval Tureen from Germany, late 19th cent...
Porcelain
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
18th Century Meissen Marcolini Candy Bowl For Ottoman Market
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Long Island City, NY
A German Meissen yellow porcelain candy bowl with a figural knob. The exterior of the bowl is delicately adorned with oval shaped medallions with images of bouquets of flowers, geome...
Porcelain
Large Mythological Meissen Group, The Wedding, by J.C. Schoenheit, Circa 1850
By Johann Carl Schoenheit, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Exceptional rare Meissen porcelain group: A group of three figures in elaborate Rococo attire: the young, pretty lady in a bodice dress with a low neckline, a long skirt, a bustle an...
Porcelain
31 Pc Antique German Meissen Blue Onion Dinner Serving Tureens Platters Plates
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique German Meissen Blue Onion Dinner China Set. Includes: 4 Oval Platters (Graduated Sizes), Lidded Oval Soup Tureen, 9 Salad Plates (3 slightly different sizes), 2 Square Se...
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
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
$2,920Sale Price|20% Off
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
1755 Meissen Porcelain Soup Bowl or Center Piece with Flower Decor
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brescia, IT
This is a spectacular lidded tureen made by Meissen circa 1755. The white porcelain is decorated with multicolored flower branches and bouquet leaves. At the top of the lid there is ...
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
$15,928Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
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 This porcelain ewer is modeled in flattened baluster form with a flared spout, spreading foot, and elaborate figur...
Porcelain
Antique Meissen Porcelain Floral Encrusted Tea Cup & Saucer
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Atlanta, GA
Meissen, Germany, late 19th to early 20th century Hard-paste porcelain, hand-painted with polychrome enamels and gilt accents, applied porcelain flowers, five small knop feet. ...
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
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
Large Meissen Pair Of Gardener Figurines, By Kaendler & Schoenheit, Circa 1860
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler, Johann Carl Schoenheit
Located in Vienna, AT
Gardener couple consisting of two large single figures. The female gardener wears rural rococo clothing: a dress with elaborate decorations and pinned-up apron, corset and borders, a...
Porcelain
20th Century Meissen Porcelain Box
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful Meissen porcelain box.
Porcelain
Rare Antique 102 piece Meissen „Flower Bouqet” Dinner Service, Germany 1840
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Rome, IT
Extensive 102 Piece Rare Meissen Dinner Service "Flower Bouqett", 1815 – 1860 , colorful, richly decorated gold rim, consisting of: 45 dinner p...
Porcelain
Antique Meissen Porcelain ‘Elements’ Ewer Emblematic of Air
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in London, GB
Antique Meissen Porcelain ‘Elements’ Ewer Emblematic of Air German, Late 19th Century Height 67cm, width 35cm, depth 21cm Created in Germany during the late nineteenth century, this...
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 stueblumen pattern. Crossed swords mark. c.1860-90. 18 1/8" x 13 1/8". Whitehall Anti...
Ceramic
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
Fine Large Late 18th - Early 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Model of a Swan
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A fine, exceptionally detailed large Meissen model of a swan, modelled by J. J. Kändler, with incised plumage, the feathers of the wings picked out in soft grey and beige, with russe...
Porcelain
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
Basket Chandelier In Green Lacquered Metal Foliage & Meissen Porcelain Flowers
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This very nice important basket chandelier is made of green lacquered metal foliage and very nice and fine Meissen porcelain flowers. This is a French work in the Louis XVI style. Ci...
Brass
"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
Large Decorative Limited Edition Salvador Dali Porcelain Plate
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vilnius, LT
Large limited edition Salvador Dali decorative porcelain plate. Can be placed on the wall. Marked on the bottom, numbered, includes original box and certificate. Very good/excellent ...
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
$556Sale Price|20% Off
Meissen Blue Onion Handled Gravy Boat
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Meissen Blue Onion Handled Gravy/SSauce Boat Germany, late 19th century Meissen Blue Onion-handled gravy/sauce boat from the late 19th century, Germany. Measuring 8.75 inches wide,...
Porcelain
Meissen Hand Painted Porcelain Plate
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vilnius, LT
Meissen porcelain plate in relief decor and hand painted in gold.
Porcelain
Large Meissen Genre Figurine, Louise Asleep, by M.V. Acier, Germany, Circa 1850
By Michel Victor Acier 1, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Depiction of a sleeping young beauty in elaborate Rococo attire with ornate lace trimmings and her hair tied back in a large bow, seated on a chair with her arm resting on a small si...
Porcelain
Antique Louis XV Style White Floral Meissen Cross Sword Porcelain Centerpiece
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions - H: 7 in W: 17 1/4 in D: 11 in This antique German floral porcelain footed centerpiece is perfect for you and your dining room table! If you look at the photos provide...
Porcelain
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
Rare pair Meissen Elephants, depicting Alexander the Great C19th.
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brighton, Sussex
This exceptional matched pair of 19th-century Meissen porcelain elephants vividly capturing the historical moment of Alexander the Great’s conquest of India. Each elephant is beautif...
Porcelain
Meissen Animal Figure, Parrot On Trunk With Cherries, By J.J. Kaendler, 20th
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent representation of an exotic bird perched on a tree trunk, its head turned to the side as it holds a cherry in its beak, below the bird further three-dimensional cherries an...
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
Antique Meissen Acanthus Leaf Mocha Teacup & Saucer 1st Choice White & Gold
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Dayton, OH
Meissen Porcelain, blue sword mark 1st choice, Pfeiffer period 1924-1934, acanthus decor, model no. Y33 Dimensions: 5.75" x 3" (Diameter x Height)
Porcelain
Science, Large Allegorical Figure, By Emmerich Andresen, Meissen Germany, c 1900
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Very delicate Meissen porcelain figurine around 1900: A beautiful young woman, barefoot and wearing a sleeveless dress that flows around her body, draped in cloths that cast artistic...
Porcelain
Pair of 18th Century or Early 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Groups.
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of 18th century or early 19th century Meissen porcelain groups. A pair of 18th century or early 19th century Meissen porcelain sculpture groups representing the 4 continents. ...
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
Large Allegorical Group, The Disarming Of Cupid, E. Andresen, Meissen, Ca. 1890
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Very delicate Meissen porcelain group of the late 19th century: Three beautiful young women with artfully pinned-up hair and wrapped in loose cloths grouped on a high towering rock, ...
Porcelain
6 Antique German Dresden Meissen Klemm Carl Thieme Pitcher Tea Cups Plates
By Klemm & Co., Meissen Porcelain, 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...
Porcelain
$318Sale 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
Pr Meissen Porcelain Figures of Royal Lovers, Modeled by Johann Joachim Kändler
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Charming and Finely Executed Pair of Meissen Porcelain Figures Depicting Royal Lovers, modeled after 18th-century designs by Johann Joachim Kändler, Meissen’s celebrated master mod...
Porcelain
Period Meissen Signed Blue Onion Ronde Plate
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
Pair Of Figurines, Meissen Porcelain Sculptures, 19th Century.
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of figurines, Meissen porcelain sculptures, 19th century, Napoleon III period. Pair of sculptures, Meissen porcelain figurines, gilded bronze bases, 19th century, Napoleon III ...
Bronze
$17,419Sale Price / set|20% Off
19th century Meissen Porcelain Candelabras figurine white and Blue Union, a Pair
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Wommelgem, VAN
Meissen Porcelain Candelabras antique German porcelain - a pair Each with 4 lights and 2 figures, emblematic of the four seasons. The cand...
Porcelain
Antique Meissen Porcelain Vases with Serpent Handles, 19th Century
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Hudson, NY
A large and decorative pair of Meissen porcelain vases, of ancient Roman krater form, with handles shaped as entwined serpents. Highly ornamental, these vases represent an interesti...
Gold Leaf
Antique Meissen Porcelain Commedia dell' Arte Figurine Masked Advocato No. 64536
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique German porcelain figurine. By the Royal Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. Depicting the Advocato with Mask. Model Number 64536. Depicting a masked character in a yell...
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
18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figurine 'Pair of Lovers' 'Liebespaar' circa 1745
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Basildon, GB
18th Century Meissen Porcelain Figurine 'Pair of Lovers' 'Liebespaar' circa 1745 Sitting lovers, designed by Johann Joachim Kaendler, above a base covered with plastic flowers and l...
Porcelain
Antique Marcolini Period Meissen Porcelain Floral Bordeleau or Chamber Pot
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique German porcelain bordeleau or chamber pot. By Meissen. Dating to the Marcolini period. Decorated throughout with cold-painted Streublumen floral sprays. The lid wit...
Porcelain, Wood
Meissen Coffee Mocha & Dessert Set For 6 Persons 1001 Arabian Nights 25 Pieces
By Heinz Werner, Ludwig Zepner, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen service, consisting of 25 pieces: 1 mocha pot with lid, 1 milk jug, 1 lidded sugar bowl, 1 small bowl, 1 tea caddy, 1 bottle for rose essence, 6 cups, 6 saucers, 6 dessert pl...
Porcelain
Meissen Art Nouveau Child Figurine, Hentschelkind, Girl Hugging A Cat, Ca. 1940
By Julius Konrad Hentschel, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Girl in typical children's clothing from around 1900 – a little white dress with polka-dot details and a bonnet featuring intricate Art Nouveau decoration in red, yellow and green, s...
Porcelain
true pair of German 19th century Meissen Porcelain parrots
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A lovely and most decorative true pair of German 19th century Meissen Porcelain parrots. Each stunning Porcelain statue is raised by a white Porcelain rocky outcrop decorated with ha...
Porcelain
Pair of Antique Meissen Rococo Hebe & Ganymede Candlesticks
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce pair of magnificent Meissen polychrome and partial gilt porcelain candlesticks, inspired by Greek mythology, exquisitely hand-crafted in Rococo taste, Germany, 19th century....
Porcelain
Pair of Snake Handled Meissen Urns
By Ernst August Leuteritz, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Stylish and chic pair of Meissen urns in Classic glazed white porcelain with gold accents. These urns are classical in form and feature entwined snakes as ...
Porcelain