Porcelain with underglaze blue painting
England and Meissen, 2nd half of the 18th century and c. 1900
One base with underglaze blue crossed swords mark
One base with Meissen imitation mark
Diameter: 23 and 24.3 cm
Good condition

This set includes a Meissen style plate with an openwork rim, adorned with flowers and insects in blue painting, which dates to the 2nd half of the 18th century and a younger piece also in blue painting by the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. Here, the flag is decorated with festoons and the well is adorned with a delicate flower bouquet.



One plate bears a Meissen imitation mark on the base, the other one bears the underglaze blue crossed swords mark. The set is in good condition with signs of age. Some hairline fissures to the openwork rim of the one plate. The latter with minor manufacturing flaws and small restorations. The diameter is 23 and 24.3 cm.



Meissen

Porcelain was being used in royal courts since the 13th century, but had to be imported from China and was therefore usually overpriced and of lower quality. Europeans began researching porcelain production methods during the 18th century and in 1708 in Meissen they actually succeeded in producing real porcelain in Europe for the first time. The ‘Crossed Sword’ mark was first used in 1722 and has since stood for the highest quality of porcelain. In 2008 the invention of porcelain in Meissen celebrated its 300th anniversary.

Quality has always been the number one criteria for Meissen and they go as far as having their own mine to quarry the necessary kaolin, also known as china clay, for production. It can take anything from several years to entire decades to reach the degree of a ‘master painter’ in Meissen but judging by the quality of the painting, it is definitely worth it. (tfa)

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