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...

10 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

A 19th century Meissen blanc de shine porcelain mantel clock…

Meissen Blanc de Chine Porcelain Mantel Clock with Ormolu Mounts

A 19th century Meissen blanc de shine porcelain mantel clock having enamel dial and ormolu mounts. A/F., damage to cherubs), height 32 cm, width 29 cm

A Meissen porcelain figure of a Sultan riding on an elephant,…

Meissen porcelain Sultan riding elephant figure

A Meissen porcelain figure of a Sultan riding on an elephant, circa 1745, modelled by P.J. Reinicke and J.J. Kaendler, the sultan sitting on a patterned cushion and tasselled bolster, wearing a jewelled turban and gilt highlighted purple robe, holding a…

A Meissen porcelain mantel clock, four seasons, model 2172,…

Meissen Porcelain Four Seasons Mantel Clock

A Meissen porcelain mantel clock, four seasons, model 2172, late 19th century, the rocaille form and floral encrusted case applied with four allegorical putti representing the four seasons, the enamel inset pressed metal dial set within an ouroboros…

A Meissen style porcelain figural clock, late 19th century,…

Meissen-style Porcelain Figural Clock with Venus and Putti

A Meissen style porcelain figural clock, late 19th century, modelled as Venus in a flying chariot surrounded by winged putti, maidens holding floral garlands and swans on a naturalistic base, sitting on a matching porcelain plateau, blue and gold crossed…

Meissen, white porcelain 'Drummer Boy' mantel clock, 19th…

Meissen Drummer Boy Mantel Clock

Meissen, white porcelain 'Drummer Boy' mantel clock, 19th century, white enamel dial with black Roman numerals, set into a kettle drum beside a large figure of cupid with a drumstick, musical instruments at his feet, blue crossed sword marks to base,…

An impressive Meissen porcelain clock garniture, German, circa…

Meissen Porcelain Clock Garniture, 1880

An impressive Meissen porcelain clock garniture, German, circa 1880, the clock of waisted form, richly encrusted with floral bocage and rocaille decoration, centred by an embossed brass dial with enamelled Roman numeral cartouches, surmounted by a putto…

Possibly Meissen ceramic clock well detailed with brass dial…

Meissen Ceramic Clock with Brass Dial and Floral Decoration

Possibly Meissen ceramic clock well detailed with brass dial with Roman numerals and decorated with flowers, height 42 cm

Large possibly Meissen clock elaborately decorated with flowers…

Elaborate Meissen Clock with Cherubs and Flowers

Large possibly Meissen clock elaborately decorated with flowers and cherubs, white dial with Roman numerals, brass movement, height 50 cm

A Meissen porcelain three-piece clock garniture, German 19th…

Meissen Porcelain Clock Garniture, 19th Century

A Meissen porcelain three-piece clock garniture, German 19th century, the candelabra 52 cm high (3)

A 19th century Meissen porcelain mantel clock, movement by…

Meissen Porcelain Mantel Clock with Henry Marc Movement

A 19th century Meissen porcelain mantel clock, movement by Henry Marc, Paris cockerel finial over a pierced and decorated body with kissing cherubs, a classical maiden and applied floral decorations, (some losses), Hry Marc Paris to clock dial, 53 cm high…