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.
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
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
A Monumental Max Esser Meissen Porcelain Blanc de Chine Model of a Stag (Deer)
By Max Esser, Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Monumental and Very Rare Blanc de Chine Porcelain Model of a Stag (Deer) by Max Esser, Produced by the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory During the P...
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Winter and Spring Figural Group
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New Orleans, LA
Entitled Winter and Spring this Meissen Porcelain figural group features a cloaked putto staying warm by a fire (Winter) and another gathering flowers (Spring). Part of the company's...
Porcelain
Meissen Splendour Centerpiece With Cupids by Paul Helmig, Germany, Around 1885
By Meissen Porcelain, Paul Helmig
Located in Vienna, AT
A special piece of porcelain from the late 19th century: A diamond-shaped earthen base rising on four sturdy rocaille elements, decorated with sculpted flowers and foliage, surrounde...
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
$396Sale Price|43% Off
19th Century Meissen Model of a Slipper
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
19th Century Meissen Model of a Slipper Delve into the high Victorian era with this enchanting 19th century Meissen model of a slipper. Crafted by the illustrious Meissen Porcelain, this artifact embodies the elegance of its time with intricate designs and detailed hand painting. The porcelain slipper...
Porcelain
Large Meissen Genre Figurine, Louise Asleep, by M.V. Acier, Germany, Circa 1850
By Meissen Porcelain, Michel Victor Acier 1
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
Rare 19th C. Meissen ‘Schneeballen’ 'Snowball' Covered Bowl & Plate W/ Birds
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Rare 19th Century Meissen Porcelain ‘Schneeballen’ (Snowball) Covered Bowl and Underplate with Encrusted Flowers, Vines, Leaves, and Birds. This piece is very rare and extremely hi...
Porcelain
Vintage Meissen Porcelain Butter Pat with Deutsche Blumen and Gilt Accents
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 a gilt scalloped rim. Marked to the base. Perfect for ...
Porcelain
Antique Pair Large German Meissen Porcelain Figural Centerpieces
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This exquisite pair of very large German porcelain figural centerpieces exemplifies the refined artistry and craftsmanship associated wit...
Porcelain
A 20th C. Meissen Blanc de Chine Porcelain Figural Couple, Lady and Man
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A 20th Century Meissen Blanc de Chine Porcelain Figural Couple, Lady and Man. A finely dressed couple engages in flirtatious courtship in this ...
Porcelain
$2,500Sale Price / set|50% Off
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
$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 streublumen pattern. Crossed swords mark. c.1860-90. 18 3/8" x 13 3/8". Whitehall Ant...
Ceramic
Meissen Figurine, Clown With Saxophone From The Clown Orchestra, P. Strang, 1990
By Meissen Porcelain, Peter Strang
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Meissen Porcelain Figurine: Clown standing with legs apart, face painted white, large red nose and black crosses painted over his eyes, a small black bowler hat on his shor...
Porcelain
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
Meissen Porcelain Allegory of the Continent of Africa, Circa 1750
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Meissen Porcelain Allegory of the Continent of Africa, Circa 1750 Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, Johann Joachim Kaendler, 1706–1775 Partial Blue Undergla...
Porcelain
An Important Rare 18th C. Ormolu Mounted Meissen Porcelain Putti Clock Grouping
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
An Incredible and Quite Important 18th Century Ormolu Mounted Meissen Porcelain Putti Clock Grouping. The composition is enriched with two putti positione...
Ormolu
Antique Meissen Porcelain Neu Brandenstein Fish Platter & Strainer Insert
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Meissen porcelain fish tray with its rare strainer. By the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. In the Neu Brandenstein Relief pattern. Or...
Porcelain
Large Meissen porcelain Rococo style centrepiece
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in London, GB
Large Meissen porcelain Rococo style centrepiece German, Late 19th Century Height 42cm, width 40cm, depth 25cm According to a design by E. A. Leuteritz,...
Porcelain
$329Sale Price|20% Off
Openwork Platter, Meissen
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Chorzów, PL
Openwork platter, Meissen. Very good condition. Wed 19 cm.
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Summer and Fall Figural Group
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New Orleans, LA
This beautiful Meissen Porcelain figure entitled Summer and Fall is part of the company's beloved Seasons series. The putti rest upon a rocaille-formed base holding representations o...
Porcelain
Meissen Rococo Porcelain Figurine of a Lady, Hand-Painted, Circa 1740
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Basildon, GB
A good 18th Century Meissen Figurine of a Lady, circa 1740, modelled by Peter Reinecke wearing a hat with a ribbon, floral dress and holding a bouquet of flowers and standing on a fl...
Porcelain
A Pair of 19th C. Meissen Porcelain Blue and White Hide and Seek Centerpieces
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Blue and White Hide and Seek Centerpieces. The baskets are oval with pierced rocaille-style scrollwork along the rim, extending outward at fo...
Porcelain
Meissen Coffee Set For 6 Persons Rich Dragon Black, Red & Gold, 20th Century
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen Coffee Set for 6 Persons, Decor number 321010 - Rich Dragon in black, shaded red and gold, gold rim 21 parts: 1 coffee pot with lid - height = 24,0 cm / 9.44 in 1 cre...
Porcelain
Pr. Finely Executed Ornithological & Neoclassical Decorated Meissen Ewers 19th C
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Atlanta, GA
A rare and exceptionally elaborate pair of Meissen porcelain ewers, dating to the mid-19th century, executed in a richly sculptural Rococo Revival idiom, each marked beneath with the...
Enamel
A White Meissen Porcelain Figure of a Reclining Foal/Horse by Willi Münch-Khe
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Meissen porcelain White/blanc-de-chine Model of a Reclining Foal/Horse, Designed by Willi Münch-Khe, (1885 - 1960) A Meissen porcelain blanc de chine figure depicting a reclining ...
Porcelain
Meissen group 'A good mother' 19th Century
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th Century Meissen porcelain group entitled 'A good mother' Having wonderful detail and bold colours to the figures. The mother seated with a child holding her ...
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
Meissen Art Nouveau Figurine, Hentschelkind, Girl With Doll's Pram, Circa 1905
By Julius Konrad Hentschel, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Art Nouveau Meissen porcelain figure from the time the model was created: The girl in a white dress and with a purple bow in her long hair bends over the wicker doll's pram and place...
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Figure of a Swan, After a Model by Johann Joachim Kändler
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
Meissen Porcelain Figure of a Swan This porcelain figure represents a swan modeled in a lifelike posture with its wings partially raised and neck gracefully arched. The surface is m...
Porcelain
Large Meissen Rococo Genre Group, The Approach, 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
Europe Mid-19th Century Meissen Pair Porcelain Vases
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brescia, IT
Elegant pair of Meissen vases on stand with child figures. The vases are decorated with mythological scenes on the surface. Marked on the foot. ...
Porcelain
Pair of Meissen Schneeballen and Intricately Ormolu-Mounted Potpourri Vases
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A very unusual and rare pair of Meissen Schneeballen and intricately ormolu mounted potpourri vases with covers. The vases are supported by finely...
Ormolu
Meissen Two Figurine Groups Four Seasons Allegories by Kaendler, circa 1850
By Johann Joachim Kaendler, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Pair of splendid figurine groups Manufactory: Meissen Germany Dating: made circa 1850 Material: white porcelain, glossy finish Technique: handmade porcelain, finest painting ...
Porcelain
Pair of Meissen Rococo Revival Porcelain Cherub Wall Corbels
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Worcester, GB
Pair of Meissen Rococo Revival Porcelain Cherub Wall Corbels A fine and highly decorative pair of Continental porcelain wall corbels in the Meissen style, dating from the early 20th...
Porcelain
Pair of 18th Century Chinese & Meissen Famille Verte Porcelain Plates
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A pair of famille verte porcelain plates, the left made in China during the Kangxi period (r. 1662–1722) and the right a copy by Meissen made circa 1740. Chinese porcelain has alw...
Porcelain
$1,996Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Meissen Porcelain Model L125 Figure of A Cupid Mocking
By Meissen Porcelain, Heinrich Schwabe 1
Located in Atlanta, GA
Meissen, 19th century. A fine quality Meissen porcelain figure featuring a cupid figure draped in a purple cloth with petite wings and very realistic features. This piece was design...
Porcelain
Pair Of Splendid Meissen Porcelain Centerpieces With Cupids, Leuteritz, Ca. 1860
By Ernst August Leuteritz, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
The pair of centrepieces was designed by Leuteritz using old molds in the Rococo style: Towering rocks from which a tree trunk rises in the middle, crowned by a column piece with a s...
Porcelain
Meissen French Floral Hand Painted Red Porcelain Scalloped Cabinet Plate Bowl
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Meissen French Victorian Floral Hand Painted Red Porcelain Scalloped Cabinet Plate Bowl. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 1.5" H x 9....
Porcelain
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
c.1735-40 An Exceptional Meissen Teapot, Hand-Painted Chinoiserie Trading Scene
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Skien, NO
An Important Early Meissen Porcelain Teapot, Ca. 1735-40: Finely Painted with Chinoiserie Trading Scenes and Gilt Decoration An exceptional and important early Meissen porcelain tea...
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain, Love Series: Cupid Mailing a Love Letter with Love Bird C1870
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
Meissen Porcelain, Love Series: Cupid Mailing a Love Letter with Love Bird C1870, SUPREME A Meissen porcelain figure from the Love Series: Cupid Mailing...
Porcelain
Large Meissen Porcelain Art Nouveau Figurine of 'Girl with Apple Basket'
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
Meissen Porcelain Art Nouveau Figurine 'Girl with Apple Basket' The porcelain figurine depicts a barefoot young girl standing beside a woven basket filled with apples. She is modele...
Porcelain
$9,351 / set
Pair of 19th Century Meissen Vases
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A good quality pair of 19th century Meissen porcelain vases. Each having gilded scrolling decoration with inset painted panels depicting harbour scenes. Blue crossed swords to base.
Porcelain
Meissen Art Nouveau Group, Two Children With Dog, By Max Bochmann, Circa 1912
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent, rare Meissen children group: Kneeling girl with long braided hair in a long pink and white dress with elaborate embroidery, her left arm around the toddler standing next t...
Porcelain
$1,250
Meissen Cherub
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Bronx, NY
This vintage Meissen curio cabinet porcelain dates from the late 19th century. The charming beautifully hand painted sculpted cherub is working his grinding wheel sharpening love arr...
Porcelain
Meissen Art Nouveau Figure 'Tied Up Cupid' by Paul Helmig, Germany Circa 1900
By Paul Helmig, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Excellent Art Nouveau porcelain figurine by Paul Helmig: Winged cupid boy with a suffering expression tied to a tree with a long garland of roses, an empty quiver at his feet. On hig...
Porcelain
Important Meissen Porcelain Groups of Caparisoned Elephants and Soldiers
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
An important pair of Meissen Porcelain Groups depicting "Alexander The Great Concurring India". Modeled with Alexander the great's three warriors/soldiers riding on caparisoned eleph...
Porcelain
A Rare 18th Century Meissen Porcelain Marcolini Period Watteau Covered Potpourri
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Rare 18th Century Meissen Porcelain Marcolini Period Watteau Covered Potpourri. This rare Meissen porcelain potpourri vase, dating ...
Porcelain
$1,516Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Meissen Porcelain Boy & The Bird Cage Figure Model
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Atlanta, GA
Meissen, 19th century. A fine quality Meissen porcelain figurine depicting a young boy playing with his pet bird. The figure stands next to a pierced porcelain bird cage adorned wit...
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Milk Jug, Rococo Style, Hand-Painted, Circa 1760
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Basildon, GB
Meissen milk jug and cover, of baluster shape with wishbone handle and shell spout, painted with two park scene's beneath osier neck and cover, floral top, c.1760, height 16cm, under...
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Fall Figural Group
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New Orleans, LA
A pair of putti holding symbols of the harvest adorn this Meissen porcelain figural group entitled Fall. Part of the company's Seasons series, these charming characters rest upon a r...
Porcelain
Monumental Meissen Porcelain Four Elements Centerpiece/Candelabra
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Monumental Meissen Porcelain Elemental Centerpiece/Candlabra with Bowls and Candelabra Arms. The centerpiece is composed of porcelain in a multipart structure integrating both bow...
Porcelain
Large Oval Meissen Wall Mirror Crowned With Winged Cupids, Leuteritz, Ca.1860 B
By Meissen Porcelain, Ernst August Leuteritz
Located in Vienna, AT
Rare large oval relief porcelain mirror: colourful oval lenses alternate with blue forget-me-not flowers, bordered on the inside by inwardly curved pink and turquoise hightened overl...
Porcelain
Meissen Large Snake Handle Vase Cobalt With Flower Painting & Gilding, 20th
By Meissen Porcelain, Ernst August Leuteritz
Located in Vienna, AT
Double snake-handled vase in baluster form on mounted funnel-shaped base, handles raised at the sides in the form of coiled snake pairs, white ground, extensive cobalt-blue backgroun...
Bronze
Early Meissen Porcelain, Singerie Style Monkey Musician Figurine
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
An early Meissen Porcelain Singerie style Monkey Musician Figurine. Dressed in full male noble attire and wig the monkey merrily plays the trumpet assu...
Porcelain
A Pair of 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Models of Swans, After J.J. Kandler
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Models of Swans, After J.J. Kandler. The models are based on designs by Johann Joachim Kandler, the chief modeler at Meissen in the mid-18th ...
Porcelain
19th C. Meissen Porcelain Group of a Woman Seated w/ Bowl of Flowers & Pet Goat
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in New York, NY
A 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Group of a Woman Seated with a Bowl of Flowers and a Pet Goat. This finely detailed Meissen group depicts a young woman seated on a naturalistic bas...
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Group Allegory 'Earth', by J.J. Kaendler, Germany, Circa 1860
By Meissen Porcelain, Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Very rare Meissen allegorical group of the 19th century: Ceres, the Roman goddess of the earth (Greek: Demeter), seated beneath a group of tr...
Porcelain
Meissen Snake Handle Vase With Flower Painting And Gilding, by Leuteritz, 20th
By Ernst August Leuteritz, Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Very large double snake handle vase in baluster form on a mounted funnel-shaped stand, handles in the form of coiled snake pairs raised on the side, white and cobalt blue base, fine ...
Porcelain
Drunken Silenus On A Donkey, Meissen Bacchant Group, by F. E. Meyer, Cairca 1770
By Meissen Porcelain
Located in Vienna, AT
Original Rococo Meissen Group from the 18th Century. A visibly drunken Silenus, crowned with a wreath of vines, sitting on a donkey and supported by a young Bacchante walking beside ...
Porcelain