Meissen Porcelain

Developed in 1708, Meissen porcelain was the first European hard-paste porcelain, a process of porcelain making originally invented in China between the 7th and 8th centuries. Though there is some dispute over who exactly discovered the secret of porcelain's production, a luxury good that had previously only been exported from China, the Meissen factory was undoubtedly the first European producer to create porcelain in large quantities.

Hard-paste Meissen porcelain, also known as Meissen china, is prepared by mixing feldspar, kaolin, quartz, and other raw materials. It differs from soft-paste Meissen porcelain mainly in the firing temperature used to make it, as hard-paste porcelain requires a higher temperature. The result is a translucent, white ceramic that is less likely to crack when exposed to hot liquids.

Meissen china’s rarity and expense made it one of the most sought-after products for the upper classes. They frequently received orders from elite families in Russia, England, and France. Many of these family collections of Meissen figurines have since been donated to some of the world's greatest museums including Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.

Quick Facts

• Meissen's signature logo, the crossed swords, was introduced in 1720 and is one of the oldest trademarks in existence
• The production of porcelain at Meissen, near Dresden, attracted many artists and artisans, helping to transform Dresden into a cultural and artistic hub
• Among the wedding gifts received by Queen Elizabeth II was a Meissen porcelain chocolate pot, cover, and stand dated c. 1780
• View and bid on other rare materials such as <a href=”https://www.invaluable.com/capodimonte-porcelain/sc-GZ6IJQZUGD/”>Capodimonte Porcelain</a> & <a href=”https://www.invaluable.com/limoges-porcelain/sc-7MYEXPG7G3/”>Limoges Porcelain</a> on Invaluable.