Meissen Tea and Coffee Service
View Similar Items
Meissen Tea and Coffee Service
About the Item
- Creator:Meissen Porcelain (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 22.5 in (57.15 cm)Width: 31.25 in (79.38 cm)Depth: 8.75 in (22.23 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 30
- Style:Other (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1820
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New Orleans, LA
- Reference Number:Seller: 30-28571stDibs: LU89116237273
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.
- Chinese Export Silver Tea and Coffee ServiceBy Yu ChangLocated in New Orleans, LAThis stunning and complete seven-piece Chinese export silver tea and coffee service was crafted by Yu Chang of Shanghai and Hong Kong, a firm re...Category
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Durgin Wentworth Flatware Service, 167 PiecesBy William B. DurginLocated in New Orleans, LAThis rare 167-piece Wentworth sterling silver flatware service was crafted by the celebrated William B. Durgin Silver Company. Each piece bears an intricate, hand-chased pattern featuring florettes, acanthus leaves, scrolls, and an open cartouche surrounding a monogram. Originally retailed by Grogan Company, the leading retail jeweler in Pittsburgh at the turn of the century, this set of 12 is truly exceptional. The set comes complete in its original fitted, suede-lined case. American, circa 1902 Marked "STERLING" with script "D" mark for Durgin and retailer's mark "Grogan Company" Case: 6" high x 23 1/8" wide x 18 7/16" deep This service comprises: 12 dinner knives12 lunch knives12 butter spreaders12 dinner forks12 lunch forks12...Category
20th Century American Other Tableware
MaterialsSterling Silver
$32,500 / set - Russian Cloisonné Enamel Tea SetBy Pavel OvchinnikovLocated in New Orleans, LAThis exceptional Russian cloisonné and enamel tea set is the work of Pavel Akimovich Ovchinnikov. One of Russia’s most skilled enamel artisans, Ovchin...Category
Antique 19th Century Russian Japonisme Tea Sets
MaterialsSilver, Enamel
- Christopher Dresser Silverplate Tea SetBy Christopher DresserLocated in New Orleans, LAThis silverplate tea set, striking in its simplicity, is the work of celebrated designer Christopher Dresser. Dresser first displayed his designs a...Category
Antique 19th Century English Modern Tea Sets
MaterialsSilver Plate
$34,500 / set - 19th Century Paul Storr Silver Tea UrnBy Paul Storr, Rundell, Bridge & RundellLocated in New Orleans, LAThis extraordinarily rare and masterfully crafted tea urn is by the hand of the master Georgian silversmith Paul Storr. Created by Storr while working for Rundell, Bridge and Rundell, Jewelers and Goldsmiths to the King, this magnificent piece truly represents the sophisticated style of the renowned firm and the enormous talents of Paul Storr. Applied and engraved decoration envelop this masterpiece equipped with a carved handle, lion's head spigot and spectacular lion's paw supports. The piece bears the arms of the Neave Baronetcy with those of Digby, for Sir Thomas Neave and his wife Frances Caroline, daughter of the Hon. William Digby, the Dean of Durham. Though he held no formal title, Storr enjoyed patronage from the most important and powerful figures of the period including King George III and the Prince of Wales, the future King George IV. His first major work was a gold font commissioned by the Duke of Portland in 1797, and in 1799 he created the “Battle of the Nile...Category
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Sterling Silver
MaterialsSilver
- Elkington Beverage Service Eight-PieceBy Elkington & Co.Located in New Orleans, LACrafted by the leading English silversmith firm of the 19th century, this rare and beautifully executed beverage service by Elkington & Co. is a fantastic example of the company's innovative electroplates work. Comprising an acid-etched pitcher, six goblets and a serving tray, the parcel gilt and silver plated service boasts an incredible repoussé and chased Baroque motif. Elegantly draped maidens attended by putti distinguish the set's design, which is similar in manner to the famed Venus Rosewater...Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate
MaterialsSilver
$48,500 / set
- Original English Coffee/Tea ServiceLocated in Oakland, CAThis is a nice Mid-Century English set designed by the company Picquot ware, this company is still in business today. Exclusive, modern design made from M...Category
Vintage 1950s English Art Deco Tea Sets
MaterialsMetal
$1,120 Sale Price20% Off - Meissen Porcelain Tea / Coffee Service / 12 PeopleBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in Tarry Town, NYBeautiful German Meissen porcelain coffee / tea service for twelve people. The coffee / tea service is in great condition. Just exquisite & very rare to find a complete service for twelve. Each piece has a detailed painting of pink flowers...Category
Vintage 1960s German Rococo Tea Sets
MaterialsGold
$15,900 / set - German Meissen 'Marcolini' Porcelain Tea and Coffee Service, circa 1790By Meissen PorcelainLocated in New York, NYComprising coffee pot, tea pot, covered cream jug, covered sugar, ten tea cups, six coffee cups, 16 saucers.Category
Antique 1790s German Tea Sets
MaterialsPorcelain
- 19th Century German Miniature Silver Tea & Coffee Service, c.1860Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, KentAntique mid-19th Century German miniature solid silver eight piece tea & coffee service, comprising of a coffee pot, tea pot, sugar bowl and two cups with saucers and a serving tray....Category
Antique 19th Century German Tea Sets
MaterialsSilver
- Mid-Century Rosenthal Coffee and Tea Service in the Style of Dorothy HafnerBy RosenthalLocated in Miami, FLA fine quality porcelain coffee, tea and dessert service set by Rosenthal, Germany. This mid-century Rosenthal coffee and tea service consisting of 19 pieces was manufactured circa ...Category
Late 20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces
MaterialsPorcelain
$1,365 Sale Price / set30% Off - A Meissen Dot Period Porcelain 'Hausmaler' Tea & Coffee Service, 1763-74By Meissen PorcelainLocated in Tunbridge Wells, GBA Rare Meissen Dot Period Porcelain Hausmaler Eight Person Tea and Coffee Service 1763-74 Additional information: Date : 1763-1774 Period : Frederick Augustus I Elector of Saxony Ma...Category
Antique 18th Century German Tea Sets
MaterialsPorcelain
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.