Meissen

Porcelain Manufactory (founded in 1710)

Founded in Saxony in 1710 by Elector Augustus the Strong, the Meissen manufactory was the first in Europe to produce true hard-paste porcelain, capable of rivalling that of China. This achievement was rooted in the research of the alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger, who in 1708–1709 unlocked the secret of its manufacture and its essential ingredient, kaolin. The manufactory swiftly established its signature style thanks to leading artists of the period. Sculptors Johann Gottlieb Kirchner and Johann Joachim Kaendler created figurines and animal figures of remarkable finesse, which have become emblematic of Meissen. Displaying exceptional whiteness, the porcelain was hand-painted with polychrome enamels and heightened with gold: flowers, birds, hunting scenes, and rocaille motifs adorned dinner services and ceremonial objects destined for European courts. Since the early 1720s, pieces have borne the famous crossed swords mark, painted in underglaze blue, which remains today one of the most sought-after signatures among collectors. The manufactory has remained in continuous operation for over three centuries.