Dresden Porcelain

Dresden refers to an artistic movement within porcelain making, rather than a particular manufacturer. During the rise of Romanticism during the 19th century, the city of Dresden was an important artistic center of Saxony, attracting many porcelain makers. In 1883, the now-famous blue crown Dresden mark was registered and the Dresden style was created.

Dresden and Meissen are often confused in the world of porcelain. The first porcelain-producing factory began in the city of Meissen in 1710. Since Dresden was considered a cultural and artistic hub of Saxony, much Meissen porcelain was sold there. As a result, these pieces of Meissen sold in Dresden were mistakenly referred to as Dresden. While Dresden decoration rivaled that of Meissen porcelain, no actual porcelain was produced in Dresden. This process remained in the Meissen factories.

With more than 200 porcelain painting shops in Dresden between 1855 and 1944 and no actual factory, there was no definitive Dresden mark. Most Dresden china is marked with a blue crown, though markings have changed through the years. Dresden china is characterized by its ornate designs of fruit, scrolls, shells, and flowers.

Quick Facts

• Dresden decorators were the first to utilize the Rococo style on dinnerware
• Dresden china won international acclaim in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including at the World Exposition in Paris in 1900 and at art exhibitions
• The original four Dresden companies were: Karl Richard Klemm, Donath & Co, Oswald Lorenz, and Adolf Hamman