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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.

Recommended Items at Auction

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Meissen, Figurengruppe Europa auf dem Stier: Die Europa, bekleidet von einem mit Sternen verzierten
Feb 22, 10:00 AM CET
Meissen, Figurengruppe Europa auf dem Stier: Die Europa, bekleidet von einem mit Sternen verzierten
by Auktionshaus Mars
Est: €0- €0
€34012 Bids
A LARGE GERMAN MEISSEN UNGLAZED PORCELAIN FIGURATIVE GROUP TITLED "EVENING."
Feb 28, 10:00 AM CET
A LARGE GERMAN MEISSEN UNGLAZED PORCELAIN FIGURATIVE GROUP TITLED "EVENING."
by Ostantix Auctions
Est: €400- €600
€1,10011 Bids
Pair of Meissen Porcelain Figural Sweet Meat
Feb 16, 10:00 AM MST
Pair of Meissen Porcelain Figural Sweet Meat
by R & R Auction INC
Est: $0- $0
$558 Bids
Set of six polychrome porcelain plates, Meissen manufacture, 19th century
Feb 20, 11:00 AM CET
Set of six polychrome porcelain plates, Meissen manufacture, 19th century
by Finarte
Est: €400- €800
€9508 Bids
Konvolut Meissen, Porzellan, reicher Drache / Hofdrache, rot, Goldrand, alles 1. Wahl, Schwertermark
Feb 22, 10:00 AM CET
Konvolut Meissen, Porzellan, reicher Drache / Hofdrache, rot, Goldrand, alles 1. Wahl, Schwertermark
by Auktionshaus Mars
Est: €0- €0
€4207 Bids
Meissen, Paar Tischleuchter mit Amorettten, wohl um 1800, Altersspuren. Geflügelte Porzellanfiguren
Feb 22, 10:00 AM CET
Meissen, Paar Tischleuchter mit Amorettten, wohl um 1800, Altersspuren. Geflügelte Porzellanfiguren
by Auktionshaus Mars
Est: €0- €0
€4005 Bids
Meissen Porcelain Figural & Animal Tea Cup Saucer
Feb 12, 11:00 AM EST
Meissen Porcelain Figural & Animal Tea Cup Saucer
by MiddleManBrokers
Est: $1- $1,000
$2105 Bids
Meissen, Tanzender Harlekin mit Hut und Deckelkanne bzw Krug aus der Italienischen Kömodie, Mod-Nr.
Feb 22, 10:00 AM CET
Meissen, Tanzender Harlekin mit Hut und Deckelkanne bzw Krug aus der Italienischen Kömodie, Mod-Nr.
by Auktionshaus Mars
Est: €0- €0
€1304 Bids
THREE MEISSEN PORCELAIN LACE FIGURES, 19TH CENTURY Height of largest: 7 3/8 in. (18.7 cm.)
Feb 13, 10:00 AM EST
THREE MEISSEN PORCELAIN LACE FIGURES, 19TH CENTURY Height of largest: 7 3/8 in. (18.7 cm.)
by Potomack Company
Est: $500- $700
$3754 Bids
Meissen, 3 Prunkobjekte, Porzellan, weiß mit Gold: Schale mit dickem Goldrelief und Blumendekor, 35
Feb 22, 10:00 AM CET
Meissen, 3 Prunkobjekte, Porzellan, weiß mit Gold: Schale mit dickem Goldrelief und Blumendekor, 35
by Auktionshaus Mars
Est: €0- €0
€1203 Bids
Meissen Prunkteller.
Feb 13, 10:00 AM CET
Meissen Prunkteller.
by Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen
Est: €140- €200
€2203 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Meissen Porcelain


Auktionshaus Wendl

Auktionshaus Wendl

Kendzia

Kendzia

Auktionshaus Plückbaum

Auktionshaus Plückbaum

Auktionshaus Eppli

Auktionshaus Eppli