Meissen (Germany) dinner services and settings

Meissen porcelain was first produced in the town of Meissen, Germany, in the early 18th century. It is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of European porcelain and has a long and fascinating history.

The story of Meissen porcelain begins in 1708, when the ruler of Saxony, Augustus the Strong, ordered the establishment of a porcelain factory in the town of Meissen. The factory was founded by a group of artisans led by Johann Friedrich Bottger, who had been searching for a way to make true porcelain for many years while trying to make heat resistant crucibles for goldmaking. Bottger had been imprisoned by Augustus for failing to deliver on a promise to produce gold from base metals. He was eventually released and put to work on the gold project.

For nearly six years, Böttger experimented desperately. Although unable to produce gold, he did manage to make another more... important breakthrough-the recipe for "true" or hard-paste porcelain that was of exceptional quality. Meissen porcelain quickly became very popular among the wealthy and powerful, and the factory grew rapidly.

Over the years, Meissen porcelain became known for its distinctive style, which featured intricate designs, delicate shapes, and bright colours. The factory also pioneered many new techniques and processes for making porcelain, including the use of moulds, the production of figurines, and the development of a wide range of glazes.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Meissen porcelain became one of the most important luxury goods produced in Europe, and the factory was widely regarded as the leader in the field. Meissen porcelain was used to create everything from tableware and decorative objects to large-scale sculptures and architectural elements.

Meissen porcelain remains highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs of fine art and design. The porcelain is still produced using traditional techniques and materials, and many of the classic designs from the past continue to be popular today. less...