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 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
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
Incredible 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Covered Urn Emblematic of Autumn
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
An incredible and truly monumental 19th century Meissen Porcelain Covered urn emblematic of autumn. This is one of the most incredible and sp...
Porcelain
19th Century Meissen Rococo Style Flower-Encrusted Covered Urns from Germany
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Tarry Town, NY
An exceptional pair of 19th century Meissen porcelain covered urns, beautifully crafted in Germany during the mid to late 19th century by the renowned Meissen porcelain manufactory, ...
Gold
Antique Painted and Parcel Gilt Porcelain Vase by Meissen
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in London, GB
This beautiful vase was created by the world-famous Meissen porcelain factory. Meissen was established in the early 18th century, making it the first producer of hard-paste porcelain...
Porcelain
Antique Meissen Jugendstil Porcelain Covered Urn or Vase with Pansies & Violets
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed German porcelain lidded urn or large vase. By Meissen. Decorated with applied and raised ribbons, laurels, and geometric patterns throughout. Painted floral sprays o...
Porcelain
19th Century Meissen Porcelain Vase with Gilt Trim and Scroll Handles
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Queens, NY
19th century German large blue and white Meissen porcelain vase with gilt trim and scroll handles.
Gold
Antique Meissen Porcelain Urn, Hand Painted, circa 1880
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Basildon, GB
19th Century Meissen Porcelain Urn , circa 1880, painted with a continuous band of flowering violets. Crossed swords and numbered "Q92" on the base. 11.25" inches high
Porcelain
Jugendstil Baccarat Antique Art Glass Dandelion Vase, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end glass dandelion vase for Baccarat, France. The vase - made out of art glass - is made from a clear glass, with yellow dandelions and green leafs on it...
Art Glass
Jugendstil Baccarat Antique Art Glass Dandelion Vase, France
By Baccarat
Located in Rijssen, NL
Luxury at its finest, high-end glass dandelion vase for Baccarat, France. The vase - made out of art glass - is made from a clear glass, with yellow dandelions and green leafs on it...
Art Glass
Meissen Porcelain Deep Cabinet Plate with Handles
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vilnius, LT
Meissen Porcelain deep cabinet plate with handles. This piece is hand painted in cobalt blue with floral motive in the center and richly decorated gold ...
Porcelain
White Porcelain Neoclassical Style Amphora Oil Lamp
By Berlin Royal Porcelain Factory
Located in New York, NY
White porcelain neoclassical style amphora oil lamp. Sleek white Berlin porcelain amphora with entwined serpent handle raised on four lion monop...
Porcelain
19th Century French Painted Porcelain Cache Pot with Snake Handles from Gien
By Gien
Located in Dallas, TX
This round and colorful antique planter was created in “Faïencerie de Gien," France, circa 1890. The large porcelain flower pot has intertwined snake handles, and features traditional Greek style motifs throughout. The sculptural, ceramic vase is decorated with hand painted traditional allegory motifs, including the Horn of plenty and lambrequin mantling decor. The elegant porcelain piece is in excellent condition with rich painted colors in the blue, white and yellow palette inside and out. Stamped Gien France underfoot for further authentication. The Faïencerie de Gien is a ceramic factory in the Loire Valley, founded in 1821 by Thomas Edme Hulm. Amongst the many faience manufacturers in the 19th century, the reputation of Gien is equal to those of the factories of Creil, Longwy or Sarreguemines. Gien further developed the technique of emaux cloisonné...
Porcelain
Pear Shaped Meissen Vase with Cover and Vines with Flowers and Fruits
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful early 19th century pear shaped Meissen covered vase with raised fruits, vines and flowers. The vase is finely hand painted with pink ...
Porcelain
Fabulous Pair of Meissen Porcelain Glass Coolers/Cachepots
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous pair of Meissen Porcelain glass coolers/cachepots. This exceptional pair of exquisitely hand-painted Meissen Porcelain glass coolers are each painted with panels of figure...
Porcelain, Meissen
Antique German Porcelain Hand Painted / Gilt Decorative Vase
By Royal Bonn
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exquisite antique vase, crafted in the 19th century by the esteemed Royal Bonn Company in Germany, is a splendid example of fine porcelain artistry. The vase features a captivat...
Gold
$1,575Sale Price / set|65% Off
H 13 in W 13 in D 3 in
Antique Meissen Manner Pair of Snowball Porcelain Vases
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique German Meissen manner Schneeballen Snowball lidded bottle vases. Each vase has a gilt vermiculite neck, applied white florals, and applied branches with fruits, on ...
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
Large Antique Japanese Carved Studio Porcelain Yellow Covered Urn Vase
By Japanese Studio
Located in Wilton, CT
Large Japanese studio porcelain covered vase with finely carved decoration of birds amidst foliage set against a cheerful yellow ground, circa 1910. Measures: 18 1/2" high, 11 1/2" d...
Porcelain
$2,340 / set
H 11 in Dm 6 in
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
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H 21 in W 10.25 in D 10.25 in
Antique Meissen School Classical Figural & Floral Porcelain Lidded Urn C1880
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Classical Figural & Floral Porcelain Lidded Urn in the Manner of Meissen C1880 Measures- 21"H x 10.25"W x 10.25"D
Porcelain
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H 5.75 in W 7.75 in D 4.75 in
Antique Pair German Meissen Blanc de Chine Porcelain Centerpieces Putti Cherubs
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stunning Example of a pair of German Meissen Blanc de chine Porcelain Centerpieces each modelled as decorative oval baskets been driven by walki...
Ormolu
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H 6.25 in W 5 in D 3.375 in
19th Century Meissen Porcelain & Bronze Ormolu Mounted Potpourri Urns
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Atlanta, GA
Meissen Porcelain (German, founded 1710), mid 19th century. A beautiful and fine quality Meissen porcelain potpourri urn. The porcelain wh...
Bronze
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H 12 in W 6.25 in D 7.5 in
Antique German Meissen Dresden Porcelain Snake Handle Mantel Urn Vase 12"
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique German Meissen Dresden porcelain mantel urn or vase featuring trophy urn form with elaborate snake handles and floral motif. Dimensions: 7.5" x 6.25" x 12" (Width x Depth x ...
Porcelain
Massive J.J. Kaendler, Meissen Schneeballen Porcelain Lidded Urn C. 1780
By Meissen Porcelain, J.J. Kaendler
Located in Atlanta, GA
The monumental J.J. Kaendler 1780’s Meissen Schneeballen porcelain lidded urn with bird mounts is an exquisite and rare piece of art that embodies the craftsmanship and beauty of the Meissen porcelain tradition. Standing tall and proud, this urn commands attention with its impressive size and intricate details. The urn is attributed to Johann Joachim Kaendler, a renowned master sculptor and modeler who worked at the Meissen factory during the 18th century. His skill and artistic vision are evident in every aspect of this stunning piece. The porcelain urn is adorned with the distinctive Schneeballen (snowball) motif, characterized by delicate porcelain flowers clustered together in the shape of a ball. Each flower is meticulously handcrafted and painted with great precision and attention to detail. The flowers create a mesmerizing visual effect, resembling a blooming snowball frozen in time. Each Schneeballen motif is accented by grenadiers of wild vines, vivid flowers and just absolutely stunning detail across every inch! Adding to the grandeur of this piece are the exquisite bird mounts that adorn the urn. These bird mounts, also made of porcelain, showcase the mastery of Meissen artisans in creating lifelike and realistic representations of nature. The birds are beautifully modeled, capturing their natural grace and elegance. Their vibrant colors and intricate feathers further enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the urn. The lid of the urn is equally impressive, featuring a finial in the form of a majestic bird in flight. The attention to detail is remarkable, as every feather is meticulously sculpted, giving the impression of movement and capturing the essence of freedom and grace. Standing at an impressive height, this monumental urn becomes a centerpiece wherever it is displayed. Its presence exudes elegance and sophistication, making it a true collector's item and a symbol of luxury. The urn's porcelain construction adds to its allure, as Meissen porcelain is known for its exceptional quality and durability. The smooth and flawless surface of the urn reflects the expertise of Meissen artisans in achieving a perfect finish. The delicate yet sturdy nature of the porcelain ensures that this exquisite piece will stand the test of time, preserving its beauty for generations to come. The color palette used in this urn is a testament to the refined taste and artistic sensibilities of the Meissen craftsmen. Soft pastel hues, vibrant floral tones, and richly detailed bird plumage all come together to create a harmonious and visually captivating composition. The careful application of color adds depth and dimension to the porcelain, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the urn. As a lidded urn, this piece not only serves as a decorative object but also has practical functionality. The lid not only protects the contents within but also adds an additional layer of elegance to the design. The seamless integration of the lid into the overall composition showcases the meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship of the Meissen artisans. The historical significance of this piece cannot be understated. Dating back to the 18th century, it represents a golden era of Meissen porcelain production and the continuation of the artistic traditions established by the Meissen factory in the 1700's. Its rarity and the skill required to create such a masterpiece make it a highly sought-after treasure for collectors and connoisseurs of fine porcelain. In conclusion, the monumental J.J. Kaendler Meissen Schneeballen porcelain lidded urn is a breathtaking work of art. Its impressive size, intricate Schneeballen motif, lifelike bird...
Enamel
19th Century Meissen Porcelain Schneeballen Snowball Vase with Meissen Birds
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A fabulous and large 19th century Louis XVI Style Meissen Porcelain Schneeballen snowball vase decorated with vines, flowers, and Meissen birds. The vase...
Porcelain
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H 16 in W 8.25 in D 7 in
Antique German Meissen Floral and Figural Porcelain Urn & Pedestal, circa 1890
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique German Meissen urn offers hand painted porcelain construction with central courting scene reserve, double figural bust handles, applied flowers,...
Porcelain
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H 27 in W 13.5 in D 10.5 in
Monumental Antique German Meissen Hand Painted Figural Porcelain Urns
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Big Flats, NY
A pair of monumental early 19th century German Meissen porcelain covered urns each offer body having central hand painted reserve depicting c...
Porcelain
Antique White Porcelain Meissen Floral Urn Stamped
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a captivating, white ceramic porcelain urn, with a lovely floral design and picture of women, stamped by Meissen. In excellent condition. The dimensions are...
Porcelain