Dresden - Fine Porcelain

Dresden Lace

In 1708, Johann Friedrich Böttger discovered the secret of translucent white porcelain production.  He had been imprisoned by the Saxony ruler Augustus II the Strong because Böttger claimed he could make gold from raw materials. However, his discovery of how to produce “white gold” brought renown to the Saxony region.  The secret: baking the substance at high temperatures.

Dresden, Germany then became the hub of a prestigious porcelain decorating industry while the actual porcelain pieces were manufactured in nearby Meissen, Germany.  The first shop producing the luxurious porcelain started in Meissen in 1710 in a castle, as Augustus wanted a more secure location to protect this secret.

In 1872, the production of the fine china spread to Dresden with its first manufactory.  By the end of World War II, over 200 porcelain shops were located in Dresden.  Unfortunately, production came to a grinding halt with the Allied bombing of the city in 1945.

Dresden china can be recognized by markings on the bottom or back of the pieces.  Each piece is identified with the picture of a cobalt blue crown with a “D” or Dresden underneath.  Other markings denote which shop the piece was made in.

Meissen pieces are denoted with crossed blue swords.  The crossed swords represented Augustus II of Saxony who, as an admirer of fine porcelain made in China, encouraged the perfection of the making of German porcelain. 

Dresden and Meissen porcelain factories were also famous for using “Dresden lace” on the figurines, a process in which real lace was dipped in liquid porcelain and then attached to porcelain ball gowns or ballerinas.  These figurines are extremely fragile and easily breakable.

The Dresden design style features hand decorated plants, flowers, and fruits resembling the French Rococo style as well as gold gilding.  Designs were painted on place settings, serving pieces, and figurines.

The Dresden Porcelain Collection is part of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen (State Art Collection) located in Zwinger Palace in Dresden.  The collection was founded by Augustus the Strong in 1715 and includes his collection of fine porcelain, some produced in China and some unique Dresden pieces. 

The collection largely survived the Allied bombings through evacuation procedures.  They have been on display at the Zwinger since 1962.

After Augustus’s death in 1733, Count von Bühl became Prime Minister and factory director and commissioned what has become known as the Swan Service, a unique place setting service of over 1,400 pieces.  The dinner plates are shaped like sea shells and adorned with swans.

One of Dresden’s most famous sites, the Procession of Princes, is an outdoor mural created entirely from porcelain.

Enjoy this video Meissen Porcelain Factory Dresden.  Watch as they make the porcelain and see the finished product.