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Meissen

Meissen is a small town in Germany on the Elbe river in Saxony which is famous for the production of porcelain. It dates back to the early 18th century when the alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger discovered the formula for producing hard-paste porcelain which was previously unknown to Europeans.

The Meissen factory is generally regarded to be the first producer of true hard paste porcelain in Europe. It was established in 1710 in the town of Meissen in Saxony under the auspices of the state’s ruler, the Elector Augustus the Strong.

Some of the designs have been in continuous use since the 18th century and many of the ornamental wares and figures were originally inspired by the oriental prototypes they sought to emulate. However, over the years, European subjects and decoration became increasingly important.


2659 AR WW Meissen Tailor

Meissen figure of Count Brühl’s Tailor cuts a sartorial dash at Salisbury auction

04 September 2024

Standing at 17in (43cm) high, the overly confident swagger of this eccentric bewigged gentleman is evident.

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Meissen freemasons rub shoulders with Lowestoft musicians in Essex

10 June 2024

The most desirable element of a collection of 18th century white-glazed porcelain figures offered by Reeman Dansie (22.5% buyer’s premium) in Colchester was the Meissen group known as Two Freemasons.

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Meissen designer Kaendler in his element

10 June 2024

Among the most recognisable output of the Meissen factory are the ‘Elements’ ewers, the set of four emblematic of Earth, Air, Water and Fire that were designed by Johann Joachim Kaendler in 1741.

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Merkle and his Meissen collecting mission

20 May 2024

Focus on first part of a series of porcelain sales offering businessman’s collection

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Merkle's Meissen figures show strength in Paris

18 April 2024

The first part of one of the finest assemblages of 18th century Meissen porcelain figures still in private hands generated a premium-inclusive €948,450 at Bonhams in Paris on April 17.

Merkle Meissen Masonic

Outstanding Meissen figure collection comes to auction in Paris

01 April 2024

The first part of one of the finest collections of 18th century Meissen figures still in private hands will be offered at Bonhams in Paris on April 17.

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Meissen vases produced by the workshop's top designer sell for nine times estimate

26 February 2024

Among the technically most complex pieces ever created in the porcelain manufacture in Meissen were the so-called 'Schneeballen-Vasen' (snowball vases).

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Jonathan Horne sale: Importance of name recognition to auction success

16 October 2023

Consignment from the late dealer Jonathan Horne helps a buoyant ceramics section in the saleroom

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Meissen spiced up by a Count Brühl commission

09 October 2023

Heinrich von Brühl was without doubt the most prominent patron of the porcelain manufacture in Meissen.

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Milk jug made for William Beckford’s Fonthill Abbey comes to auction

14 August 2023

Ornate creation from Gothic fantasy comes for sale as part of the Bayreuth collection

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Sumptuous porcelain takes pride of place in salerooms

10 July 2023

Auctions held in Australia and Germany rack up strong prices for major European makers

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Auction record for Meissen vases

21 December 2022

A new record for a pair of Meissen porcelain vases was set by a previously unrecorded example offered at Bonhams.

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Augsburg and Meissen mix help fuel demand for cutlery set at Metz auction

14 November 2022

The combination of Meissen porcelain and Augsburg silver proved to be a winning formula at a sale held by Metz (25% buyer’s premium) in Heidelberg.

Silver-gilt and porcelain cutlery set

Pick of the week: Tuck into a Meissen and Augsburg treat

30 May 2022

From the very beginning, the Meissen factory sought close trade relations with the Augsburg goldsmiths.

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Boxers fight their way to the top price level

10 January 2022

Rarely do 19th century Staffordshire figures feature among the top-selling lots at auction these days but two bare-fist boxing champions did just that.

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Title winners: named services attract extra interest for European ceramics at auction

15 November 2021

Dessert plate taken to St Helena exile by Napoleon demonstrates provenance value

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Meissen decorated in Kakiemon style offered in Germany

15 November 2021

Metz auction house will feature plenty of pieces of Meissen among the ceramics in its sale to be held in Heidelberg from December 9-11.

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Snuff box takes 20-times estimate at Bellmans

15 November 2021

Estimated at £400-600, a Meissen chinoiserie decorated porcelain snuff box took £12,000 at Bellmans (22% buyer’s premium) in West Sussex.

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Brueghel’s ‘own view’ of everyday Dutch rural life

27 September 2021

Numerous international bidders set their sights on a tondo by Pieter Brueghel the Younger (1564-1638).

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White gloves for Oppenheimer sale of Meissen porcelain at Sotheby’s

20 September 2021

Every lot of a collection of Meissen porcelain, restituted earlier this year to the heirs of Dr Franz Oppenheimer, was sold in a recent US sale.