Who was the designer of the Meissen Swan Service?
Considered one of the most spectacular porcelain dinner services ever created, the Meissen “Swan Service” was conjured by designer Johann Joachim Kändler for Count Heinrich von Brühl, who became the director of Meissen in 1739. The full service was created between 1737 and 1742 and included more than 2,000 pieces.
What do you need to know about Meissen porcelain?
The true test of an antique Meissen porcelain piece is always the overall quality of the object and the quality of the decoration. The Meissen Blue Crossed Swords and Augustus Rex marks. 1723-1725 — Original kpm mark with blue crossed swords beneath. 1725-1732 — Original blue crossed swords mark with curved crosspieces and handles.
How much did the Meissen tea service sell for?
Meissen, The “Half-Figure Service” (detail), circa 1723-24. Sold for £541,250 via Bonhams (December 2012). When a tiny yet tasteful tea service turned up at a Bonhams London auction in late 2012, porcelain collectors took notice.
What does the Blossom on a Meissen Swan mean?
The pure, unblemished blossom that rises beaming from out of the mud is a symbol whose metaphorical meaning unfolds on Meissen porcelain. Reproducing the blossom petals on the relief surface demands the most delicate brushwork from the manufactory painters.
Where did the Swans in Meissen porcelain come from?
The pair of namesake birds, swimming through reeds, appear in porcelain relief, for which Kaendler took inspiration from drawings and etchings in collections in the nearby capital and royal seat of Dresden.
Which is the true test of an antique Meissen porcelain piece?
The true test of an antique Meissen porcelain piece is always the overall quality of the object and the quality of the decoration. The Meissen Blue Crossed Swords and Augustus Rex marks. 1723-1725 — Original kpm mark with blue crossed swords beneath.
What makes a Meissen Swan Service so special?
The surface of each piece is finished with a delicate, intricate wave relief that accentuates the plasticity of the high-quality Meissen porcelain. Still produced by hand, the nearly three-centuries-old reliefs of the “Swan Service” are testament to the extraordinary artisanship and quality of Meissen porcelain.
Meissen, The “Half-Figure Service” (detail), circa 1723-24. Sold for £541,250 via Bonhams (December 2012). When a tiny yet tasteful tea service turned up at a Bonhams London auction in late 2012, porcelain collectors took notice.
