Period: 1816–1824
Material: Porcelain, 24K gilded gold
Origin: Royal Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, Germany (Founded 1710 – Present)
Description
This set of Meissen porcelain cup and saucer was produced between 1816 and 1824, decorated with refined 24K gilded ornamentation. The base bears the classic blue crossed swords mark together with the Roman numeral I.
The cup is hand-painted with a portrait of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of Christianity. The portrait was executed by Georg Friedrich Kersting (1785–1847), chief porcelain painter of the Meissen Manufactory, who later became a leading master painter for both the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Manufactory in Denmark and the Dresden Porcelain Manufactory in Germany.
Founded in 1710 by Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony, in Dresden, the Royal Meissen Porcelain Manufactory was relocated the same year to Albrechtsburg Castle in Meissen to safeguard the confidential secrets of porcelain production.
Early Meissen porcelain chiefly imitated Chinese and Japanese ceramic wares, particularly Japanese Imari and Kakiemon polychrome decorated porcelain, with craftsmanship so refined that the copies were almost indistinguishable from the originals. It was nevertheless its distinct Rococo-style porcelain sculptures that established Meissen’s status as Europe’s preeminent porcelain centre.
Master artisans sculpted figures, flowers, birds and beasts from fine kaolin clay, then enriched them with varied coloured glazes. Meissen ceramic masters integrated the mild, delicate charm of Oriental aesthetics with the gorgeous splendour of Western artistic taste, creating a unique aesthetic and earning Meissen the prestigious title of Europe’s Finest Porcelain.
Famed for elegant design and fully handmade craftsmanship since the era of the Duchy of Saxony, Meissen porcelain has long been highly sought after by European royal families, celebrities and statesmen, its value rivalling pure gold.
Meissen porcelain embodies nearly three centuries of European art history. Each piece is meticulously handmade through more than 80 elaborate processes. All pigments are formulated from exclusive secret recipes; the factory’s pigment laboratory is strictly confidential and reserved solely for its own productions.
Adhering to exquisite handwork, elegant contours and flowing lines, every Meissen work fully embodies consummate craftsmanship and profound artistic attainment.
To this day, Meissen porcelain remains a symbol of high social status in modern Germany, and possession of Meissen pieces is regarded as a source of great pride. Its artistic influence extends across the entire European porcelain industry. Meissen porcelain is deservedly known as the Platinum of European Porcelain.
The Meissen blue crossed swords hallmark is a key reference for dating porcelain works. Derived from the heraldic shield emblem of the Elector of Saxony, it symbolizes supreme imperial authority.