Collecting 101

1.

Augustus the Strong and the Birth of Meissen

The history of Meissen begins with the Saxon Elector, Augustus the Strong, who suffered from ‘la maladie de porcelaine’ and obsessively collected Chinese and Japanese porcelain, even going as far as to trade 600 of his soldiers with his nemesis, the King of Prussia, for a group of Dragoon vases from China. He was not content with Asian imports, however, and was desperate to make hard paste porcelain himself. Augustus wasn’t alone; there had been many experiments, such as the famous ‘Medici porcelain’, but all trials eventually failed and resulted in vitrified, glass-like objects.

In 1708 Augustus’ researchers, physicist Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus and alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger became the first to succeed. The triumph was probably a result of the large amounts of wealth Augustus invested in the project – he almost bankrupted the state in the process – but, more importantly, due to the regular supply of kaolin, the essential ingredient for making hard paste porcelain, which came straight from the rich mines in Saxony. After this success, Augustus sent out a ‘press release’ in seven different languages stating that he was now on a par with the Chinese Emperor.

In 1697 Augustus converted to Catholicism and became King of Poland with the ambition of becoming Holy Roman Emperor. He used gifts of his precious porcelain as a means of securing diplomatic alliances and representing the prestige of the court, and for a while, this was the only way to own a piece of Meissen. Later pieces could be ordered by ‘friends of the Court’ and a little later still, pieces could be acquired at the Leipzig Fair of luxury goods, and through a network of dealers around Europe, but initially the objects were made purely as ‘branding’.

While Augustus’ arcanists were virtually kept prisoner to guard the hard-won secret of making porcelain, the recipe quickly spread across Europe and by the 1750s most self-respecting monarchs had attempted to make porcelain of their own.

2.

Elegant Forms

While early European porcelain was influenced by the Asian exports that arrived through diplomatic gifts and Portuguese and Dutch trade, it is remarkable how in just a few years the Meissen factory developed its own language of expression throughout its elegant forms and intricate decoration. In time, Meissen came to be favoured even over porcelain from China and Japan proving its success in terms of branding and aesthetic.

Now the Meissen factory is perhaps best known for its Commedia dell’Arte figures, and for these figures and many others, inspiration for designs came from prints, paintings and sculpture of the 17th and 18th centuries. Two of the leading designers from this early period who helped shape the signature Meissen style are Johann Gregorius Höroldt, who transformed the flat surfaces of plates, cups and saucers with his fabulous range of Baroque decoration, and J. J. Kaendler, who was known for modelling lifelike and dynamic figures. They are responsible for a totally new artistic language that served both aesthetic and diplomatic purposes of the product to a tee.

In the beginning, Meissen objects were considered such rarities that they would have been exclusively used for display, often ending up in a Kunstkammer or on a wall brackets in a Baroque interior. Interestingly, court etiquette required that Augustus the Strong use only silver and gold at the table so, ironically, it was his ministers who used the first table services in his beloved porcelain.

3.

Collecting Meissen Today

Over 300 years after it was first invented, Meissen porcelain continues to appeal to contemporary collectors through its unique combination of beauty, craft and history. There is something magical about being able to hold an object that couldn't be produced in the same way today; techniques are often lost, and the finesse of the early Meissen designs and decorations is simply unrivalled.

Meissen porcelain tells you something about a culture and time while remaining virtually untouched. Interiors are often updated or remodelled, furniture is damaged by sun and wear, silver is melted down, and textiles fade but porcelain never changes: the colours stay as vibrant today as they always were.

If you want to find out more about this fascinating material and brand, start by going to the places that hold large collections of these objects. The V&A and the British Museum in London, the Zwinger in Dresden, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York all have wonderful collections. You can also join a collectors’ society and find many great books on the history of porcelain and Meissen. Once you know what you like, then touch everything. The beauty of this material really reveals itself when you hold it, feel its weight and its finish. And there is nowhere better to do that than at a Bonhams sale with viewing days prior to every major auction.

4.

Meissen on the Market

Overall there is a very strong market for Meissen, and it tends to keep its value consistently through economic troubles, now as in the 18th century. Important pieces of Meissen porcelain are still commanding the highest prices in the world of ceramics as collectors in Europe and beyond recognise the importance of the factory’s story in a wider historical context.

In terms of range of value, you can buy an 18th century example from £300 to £1 million. At the moment, rococo figures are not expensive, and can be a great way to start a collection. You should always buy the best possible example within your budget but beyond thinking about Meissen as an investment, it’s important to firstly consider whether you love a piece.

As with any antique it’s also important to check the provenance of Meissen; pieces from well known, single owner collections tend to hold their value better. As for condition, some restoration may be acceptable but it will inevitably be reflected in the price in the future as well as at the time of the sale. Another thing to look out for is counterfeits – Meissen has always been a very sought after commodity and was being faked as early as the 18th century. If you’re ever in doubt about a piece, ask a specialist, we are always happy to advise.

5.

Care and Display

While some collectors prefer to keep their Meissen in a cabinet, others are happy to use their pieces for afternoon tea. Many collectors are understandably nervous about the fragility of Meissen porcelain and, of course, if a piece breaks you should keep the shards and take it to a restorer.