Meissen Porcelain Six-Light Rococo Style Chandelier
View Similar Items
Meissen Porcelain Six-Light Rococo Style Chandelier
About the Item
- Creator:Meissen Porcelain (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 28 in (71.12 cm)Diameter: 26 in (66.04 cm)
- Style:Rococo (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1880
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New Orleans, LA
- Reference Number:Seller: 30-21051stDibs: LU89114811533
Meissen Porcelain
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.
- Meissen Rococo Porcelain BoxBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in New Orleans, LAIncredible hand-painted scenes inspired by Rococo master Antoine Watteau cover this magnificent Meissen porcelain box. Displaying romantic courts...Category
Antique 18th Century German Rococo Decorative Boxes
MaterialsPorcelain
- Meissen-Style Porcelain Wall SconceBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in New Orleans, LAThis magnificent Meissen-style porcelain wall sconce features three candle holders and is adorned with hand-painted, floral Rococo decoration. cir...Category
Antique 19th Century German Rococo Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsPorcelain, Meissen
- Meissen Porcelain MirrorBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in New Orleans, LALavish Meissen porcelain serves as the extraordinary frame for this mirror. Exquisitely hand-painted in polychrome with gilt accents, the bountiful fr...Category
Antique 19th Century German Rococo Wall Mirrors
MaterialsPorcelain, Mirror
$74,500 - Meissen Porcelain Wall SconcesBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in New Orleans, LAThis remarkable pair of Meissen wall sconces is crafted with all of the exquisite detail and splendor of the Rococo period. Exquisitely hand-painted with gilt accents, each fixture i...Category
Antique 19th Century German Rococo Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsPorcelain
- Meissen Porcelain Revelry GroupsBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in New Orleans, LAThis charming pair of Meissen porcelain figures celebrates the essence of Revelry. First modeled by the renowned Johann Joachim Kändler on bases by Peter Reinicke, circa 1767, these ...Category
Antique Late 19th Century French Rococo Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsPorcelain
- Pair of Meissen Porcelain SconcesBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in New Orleans, LAThis remarkable pair of Meissen Porcelain wall sconces is crafted with all of the exquisite detail and splendor of the Rococo period. Exquisitely hand ...Category
Antique 19th Century German Rococo Wall Lights and Sconces
MaterialsPorcelain
$18,500 / set
- Rare Six-Light Gothic Revival Chandelier with Bronzed Knight & Swords & CrestsLocated in Lisse, NLHighly decorative, wrought iron, cast iron & oak Medieval Style chandelier. With 20th century lighting as one of our specialities, we have seen a lot of great and unique fixtures, but never before did we come across an antique handcrafted Mediëval Style 'knight with large swords' chandelier. With his hands on his sword & shield and wearing a full body armour this knight is always on guard, protecting you and your loved ones. Have you also noticed the six larger swords that make the stylized torches on which the 'faux' candles are placed? Together with the two crests (with the Gothic castle towers) on either side, this beautiful and heavy quality workmanship chandelier has got the Gothic style written all over it. Handcrafted with forged and cast iron elements this largely bronzed, Gothic chandelier truly is a joy to own and to look at. If you have a room, a man cave or an entire house in the Gothic Style then finding a place for this rare, six light chandelier cannot be too difficult, because it will look marvelous everywhere. Thanks to the strong brass hook inside the original and height adjustable canopy, mounting this large chandelier tight to your ceiling will take no more than a couple of minutes. This Gothic knight...Category
Mid-20th Century European Gothic Revival Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBrass, Iron, Wrought Iron
- Large & Stunning Sixteen Light, Eight Arm Baroque Style Theatre Chandelier LampLocated in Lisse, NLThis impressive hand carved wooden chandelier, from circa 1920 has a rare theme. This wonderfully carved and very ornamental chandelier is a true work of art. It displays the finest quality carving and the skills of it's maker. It is obvious to us that this chandelier was made for a theatre or it may have been commissioned by a theatre owner or a stage actor. The carved ornaments, such as the draped curtains...Category
Early 20th Century French Baroque Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsWood
- 1960's 9 light Chrome and Glass Chandelier by Gaetano SciolariBy Gaetano SciolariLocated in Amsterdam, NHGaetano Sciolari monumental chrome and brushed brass two-tier nine-light chandelier with cylindrical glass shades, 1960s. Please note, we have sconces in the same style. Please do no...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsChrome
- 1950s Rococo Style HeadboardLocated in New York, NY1950s Rococo style headboard that is gold painted metal finish. Has a wonderful decorative pattern. Overall measures: 55 H x 60 W. From hole to ...Category
Vintage 1950s American Rococo Beds and Bed Frames
MaterialsMetal
- 19th Century Meissen Porcelain: Empress Catherine ii of Russia's Favorite DogBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in New York, NYA 19th century Meissen Porcelain Model Of Empress Catherine II Of Russia's Favorite Dog (Russisches Windspiel). This delightful 19th-century Meissen porcelain model depicts Empress C...Category
Antique 1860s German Louis XVI Models and Miniatures
MaterialsPorcelain
- 1950s Large Six-Light Satin Glass Pendant attributed to Max Ingrand, Fontana ArtBy Max IngrandLocated in Amsterdam, NHStunning 1950s pendant attributed to Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. This elegant pendant is surprisingly large. It holds six lights and both top and bottom exists of satin pressed gla...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBrass
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Wear Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Genius on Your Finger with This Vivid Ring
In his jewelry making, the designer rarely used diamonds — this rare example has two.
You Won’t Find a More Handsome Stopwatch Than This 1890s Pocket Chronograph
A Grand Complication from the golden era of pocket watches, the Marius Lecoultre pocket watch does everything but uncork your wine.