Meissen’s Enchanted World

The distinctive crossed swords remain to this day a symbol of exceptional craftsmanship and artistic excellence. From magnificent figural groups and lifelike floral decorations to elegantly designed table services, Meissen’s production spans three centuries of European cultural history. Many pieces reflect the spirit of their time, inspired by the playfulness of the Rococo, the elegance of Classicism, or the growing fascination with exotic influences from distant lands.

During the late 17th and early 18th centuries, white Chinese porcelain was one of Europe’s most sought-after luxury goods. It was imported at great expense, and the manufacturing technique behind the celebrated hard-paste porcelain was a closely guarded Chinese secret. Many princes and scientists therefore sought to uncover its secret.

One of them was Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony. He had the alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger imprisoned in the hope that he would be able to produce gold. When this proved impossible, Augustus gave him a new challenge instead: to create what was known as ‘white gold’ – the highly coveted hard-paste porcelain.

After several years of experimentation, Böttger and his collaborators succeeded in producing Europe’s first hard-paste porcelain in 1709. This discovery laid the foundations for the Meissen porcelain manufactory, which became Europe’s first and most influential porcelain manufacturer, setting the standard for European porcelain for generations to come.

This themed auction presents a selection of porcelain figures and table services, with particular emphasis on Meissen.