The History of Dresden Porcelain

Dresden porcelain is known for becoming the first European porcelain to rival Asian products. The German-made porcelain's history is laden with secrecy and ingenuity, making it a favored collector's item.

A King's Obsession

In the early 1700s, King Augustus II, prince elector of Saxony, held goldsmith Johann Bottger prisoner and commissioned him to create gold. Bottger instead discovered the method of creating porcelain, a favored and valuable item in the king's eyes.

First Porcelain Manufactory

The king announced to Europe in 1710 that he would open a porcelain manufactory in Dresden. He instead opened one at nearby Albrechtsburg castle in Meissen. Espionage was rampant, and the king guarded his porcelain secret, even though it meant imprisoning workers within the castle walls.

Making Its Mark

By 1720, the secret was leaked and porcelain producers popped up in Vienna and Venice. Dresden porcelain adopted Saxon crossed swords in under-glaze blue as its distinguishing mark.

Large and Lavish

In 1736, the porcelain manufactory produced the "Swan Service." It consists of 1,400 pieces, and is the largest, most lavish porcelain service ever created.

Moving to Dresden

In 1872, Dresden built its own manufactory to better establish its role in porcelain production. The porcelain created in Dresden bears a blue crown marker to distinguish it from pieces made in Meissen.

References

• The City of Dresden
• Dresden: Tuesday, February 13, 1945; Frederick Taylor; 2004

Resources

• Dresden Porcelain