Meissen Porcelain Manufactory

Since the beginning of the 13th century, porcelain had been supplied to the European royal houses from China at high prices. In order to make themselves independent of the expensive imports, people in Saxony tried to uncover the well-kept secret of the production of the "white gold".

Meissen - Birthplace of European Porcelain

After numerous experiments, the first European white porcelain was finally produced in Meissen in 1708 - near Dresden - under the direction of Johann Friedrich Böttger. Subsequently, the "Royal Polish and Electoral Saxon Porcelain Manufactory" was founded in 1710. Today, this is the Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen GmbH, whose first production site was the Albrechtsburg in Meissen.

Meissen porcelain - masterly craftsmanship

The outstanding feature of Meissen porcelain is its quality, which meets the highest standards. This begins with the material. For the production of porcelain, the basic material kaolin is extracted in a company-owned mine. From it, the raw material from which Meissen porcelain is modeled is produced in an elaborate, long process. This porcelain is used to produce high-quality tableware in a wide variety of shapes - from elegantly simple to artistically designed. But there are also filigree figures and sculptures, extraordinary vases, exquisite services - all hand-painted by artists who implement the consistently high quality standards with their own handwriting.

The production of such outstanding porcelain requires long and intensive practice. The basic training - carried out at the manufactory - of the formers, painters and embossers takes more than three years. After that, the techniques are continuously refined and perfected over the course of many years.

Meissen porcelain - highest quality

The Meissen porcelain brand is known for its extremely high quality standards and, of course, the typical Meissen onion pattern. The traditional shapes are carefully preserved and maintained. The highest demands are placed on new design. The manufacturing process is constantly controlled. Trained inspectors examine each finished product - cups, plates, bowls, vases, figurines - and do not allow the slightest error to pass. This assurance of the highest quality throughout the manufacturing process has helped the Meissen Porcelain brand achieve its outstanding reputation and worldwide recognition.

Meissen Porcelain - the original with the sword mark

The recipes and techniques of production have been kept strictly secret since the founding of the manufactory and were known only to a few employees of the company and only in parts at a time. Very early on, however, Meissen porcelain also became a brand, for as early as 1720, a forgery-proof mark - the "Crossed Swords" - was applied to every plate, cup, vase and figurine. Then, as now, the brand logo is applied to the porcelain by hand with blue underglaze paint and permanently burned in as part of the manufacturing process.

Meissen porcelain - a diverse world of shapes

The various shapes and the most diverse decors of Meissen porcelain leave nothing to be desired. Whether the opulent Royal B & X with decor in gold, the playful swan design or the modern designs of Meissen Cosmopolitan and Neuer Ausschnitt - they all win additionally through the wide range of decors, including not only classic blue or gold. The most famous are the blue onion pattern and the decorations with dragons and with gold rim. Floral, fruit, bird and butterfly decors stand next to hunting scenes, landscape and fairy tale decors. Exotic Indian and Asian motifs adorn Meissen porcelain as well as Art Nouveau and striped decorations.

Buy Meissen porcelain online

The range of Meissen is almost inexhaustible. In addition to the coffee, service, tea, service and dinner service, you will find collectible figurines and vases as exclusive collections and annual editions, jewelry and watches, candlesticks and picture frames, as well as crystal goblets and wine goblets. In addition, the Meissen company designs entire interiors. Especially in recent years, a great and interesting expansion of the program took place under the name of Meissen Couture. Therefore, there is much to discover, - embark on the journey.