Fine Large Late 18th - Early 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Model of a Swan
About the Item
- Creator:Meissen Porcelain (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 14.25 in (36.2 cm)Width: 9.25 in (23.5 cm)Depth: 13.5 in (34.29 cm)
- Style:Neoclassical (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:18th-19th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5828227394812
Meissen Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain (Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen) is one of the preeminent porcelain factories in Europe and was the first to produce true porcelain outside of Asia. It was established in 1710 under the auspices of King Augustus II “the Strong” of Saxony-Poland (1670–1733), a keen collector of Asian ceramics, particularly Ming porcelain.
In pursuing his passion, which he termed his “maladie de porcelaine,” Augustus spent vast sums, amassing some 20,000 pieces of Japanese and Chinese ceramics. These, along with examples of early Meissen, comprise the Porzellansammlung, or porcelain collection, of the Zwinger Palace, in Dresden.
The king was determined, however, to free the European market from its dependence on Asian imports and to give European artisans the freedom to create their own porcelain designs. To this end, he charged the scientist Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus and aspiring alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger with the task of using local materials to produce true, hard-paste porcelain (as opposed to the soft-paste variety European ceramists in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and Spain had been producing since the late Renaissance). In 1709, the pair succeeded in doing just that, employing kaolin, or “china clay.” A year later, the Meissen factory was born.
In its first decades, Meissen mostly looked to Asian models, producing wares based on Japanese Kakiemon ceramics and pieces with Chinese-inflected decorations called chinoiserie. During the 1720s its painters drew inspiration from the works of Watteau, and the scenes of courtly life, fruits and flowers that adorned fashionable textiles and wallpaper. It was in this period that Meissen introduced its famous cobalt-blue crossed swords logo — derived from the arms of the Elector of Saxony as Arch-Marshal of the Holy Roman Empire — to distinguish its products from those of competing factories that were beginning to spring up around Europe.
By the 1730s, Meissen’s modelers and decorators had mastered the style of Asian ceramics, and Augustus encouraged them to develop a new, original aesthetic. The factory’s director, Count Heinrich von Brühl, used Johann Wilhelm Weinmann’s botanical drawings as the basis for a new line of wares with European-style surface decoration. The Blue Onion pattern (Zwiebelmuster), first produced in 1739, melded Asian and European influences, closely following patterns used in Chinese underglaze-blue porcelain, but replacing exotic flora and fruits with Western varieties (likely peaches and pomegranates, not onions) along with peonies and asters.
During the same period, head modeler Joachim Kändler (1706–75) began crafting delicate porcelain figures derived from the Italian commedia dell’arte. Often used as centerpieces on banquet tables and decorated to reflect the latest fashions in courtly dress for men and women, these figurines were popular in their day, and are still considered among Meissen’s most iconic creations. Kändler also created the Swan Service, which, with its complex low-relief surface design and minimal decoration is considered a masterpiece of Baroque ceramics.
The rise of Neoclassicism in the latter half of the 18th century forced Meissen to change artistic direction and begin producing monumental vases, clocks, chandeliers and candelabra. In the 20th century, Meissen added to its 18th-century repertoire decidedly modern designs, including ones in the Art Nouveau style. The 1920s saw the introduction of numerous animal figures, such as the popular sea otter (Fischotter), which graced an East German postage stamp in the 1960s. Starting in 1933, artistic freedom was limited at the factory under the Nazi regime, and after World War II, when the region became part of East Germany, it struggled to reconcile its elite past with the values of the Communist government. In 1969, however, new artistic director Karl Petermann reintroduced the early designs and fostered a new degree of artistic license. Meissen became one of the few companies to prosper in East Germany.
Owned by the State of Saxony since reunification, in 1990, Meissen continues to produce its classic designs together with new ones developed collaboratively with artists from all over the world. In addition, through its artCAMPUS program, the factory has invited distinguished ceramic artists, such as Chris Antemann and Arlene Shechet, to work in its studios in collaboration with its skilled modelers and painters. The resulting works of contemporary sculpture are inspired by Meissen’s rich and complex legacy.
Find a collection of authentic Meissen Porcelain on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- 19th Century Paris Porcelain Reticulated Gold, Pink Neoclassical CenterpieceBy Porcelaine de ParisLocated in New York, NYA high degree of skill was required to produce reticulated porcelain in 19th century, with each piece painstakingly handcrafted to form a delightful pattern reminiscent of a garden t...Category
Antique Early 19th Century French Neoclassical Porcelain
MaterialsPorcelain
- Massive Estate Baccarat Crystal Centerpiece, Early 20th CenturyBy BaccaratLocated in New York, NYLarge, substantial Baccarat crystal centerpiece of circular form and bold facet design. This piece pairs well with Harcourt and is ideal f...Category
Early 20th Century French Centerpieces
MaterialsCrystal
- Antique Large Carved Oak Figure of Saint Anthony of Padua, 18th-19th CenturyLocated in New York, NYFine hand carved oak figure of Saint Anthony of Padua Late 18th- Early 19th Century Saint Anthony is depicted with his head raised, mouth ajar, as if in the process of speaking. He stands upright wearing his traditional Franciscan robes and holding open a book. Beautifully carved with high level of detail, unusual for oak pieces. Oak is a dense hardwood which is difficult to carve and it's rare to see this level of detail in an early oak sculpture. Saint Anthony is the Patron Saint of lost things. While living at the monastery, he had a treasured book which contained psalms and personal observations. His book was stolen by a man who decided to leave the monastery and Anthony ferverently prayed for its return as the cost of a new book would have been beyond his means. The thief repented and returned the book which is believed to be preserved at the Franciscan Library in Bologna. He is one of the most popular Catholic saints...Category
Antique Early 19th Century European Medieval Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsWood, Oak
- Large Antique Russian Icon Resurrection and Great Feast Days, 18th-19th CenturyLocated in New York, NYLarge antique late 18th century- early 19th century Russian icon of the Resurrection with Great Feasts. Original condition with beautiful age-old patina. The central area depicting t...Category
Antique Late 18th Century Russian Religious Items
MaterialsWood
- Fine Antique Large Russian Icon of the Pokrov, Moscow School, 19th CenturyLocated in New York, NYA fine antique Russian icon of The Protection of the Mother of God, Pokrov Moscow School 19th century The Protection Icon depicts the Mother of God appearing above congregants a...Category
Antique 19th Century Russian Religious Items
MaterialsWood
- Fine Museum Quality Large Antique 18th Century Greek Orthodox Icon, PentecostLocated in New York, NYAn exceptional, museum quality very large 18th century Greek icon of the Pentecost. Egg tempera and gold leaf on wood, primed with gesso. Attributed to Mount Athos...Category
Antique 18th Century Greek Religious Items
MaterialsWood
- Pair of 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Cupid Centerpieces with BasketsBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in New York, NYPair of 19th century Meissen Porcelain compote centerpieces with cupids running after each other around a tree with filigree baskets on top with raised...Category
Antique 19th Century German Centerpieces
MaterialsPorcelain
- Late 19th/Early 20th Century Reticulated German K.P.M. Porcelain CenterpieceBy Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM)Located in New York, NYLate 19th/early 20th Century Reticulated German K.P.M. Porcelain centerpiece Front panel of a couple out for a walk, the reverse a landscape.Category
Antique Late 19th Century German Belle Époque Porcelain
MaterialsPorcelain
- Late 19th Century Meissen Porcelain Group of Two LoversBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in Brighton, SussexAn enchanting late 19th Century Meissen Porcelain group of two seated lovers. Blue crossed swords mark to base.Category
Antique Late 19th Century German Romantic Porcelain
MaterialsPorcelain
- 19th Century Meissen Model of a SlipperBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in West Palm Beach, FL19th Century Meissen Model of a Slipper Delve into the high Victorian era with this enchanting 19th century Meissen model of a slipper. Crafted by the illustrious Meissen Porcelain, this artifact embodies the elegance of its time with intricate designs and detailed hand painting. The porcelain slipper...Category
Antique Late 19th Century German High Victorian Porcelain
MaterialsPorcelain
- Porcelain Plate from Meissen, Germany, Late 19th CenturyBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in Chorzów, PLBlue onion plate from Meissen Germany Signature from late 19th century Very good condition, small chip shown at the picture.Category
Antique Late 19th Century German Ceramics
MaterialsPorcelain
- 19th Century Viennese Porcelain Figural Cherub Jardinière or Centrepiece BowlBy Meissen PorcelainLocated in Vigonza, PaduaThis item is a big 19th century Viennese porcelain centerpiece bowl or jardinière beautifully enameled in rich colors with floral sprays and gilt highlights. This stunning Rococo pie...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Austrian Rococo Centerpieces
MaterialsPorcelain