Founded in 1710 by decree of King Augustus the Strong, Meissen was the first manufacturer in Europe to discover the secret of “hard-paste” porcelain, previously known only to the Chinese. For over 300 years, Meissen has remained a symbol of ultimate luxury and artistic perfection.

The iconic Blue Crossed Swords is one of the oldest trademarks in existence. Hand-painted in cobalt blue under the glaze, this hallmark ensures authenticity and protects the brand's heritage against imitations.

Meissen's most famous design, the Zwiebelmuster (Onion Pattern), has been in production since 1739. Ironically, the “onions” are actually depicted pomegranates and peaches (symbols of fertility and longevity in Chinese culture), which were misidentified by 18th-century Europeans.

Every piece of Meissen is hand-painted by master artists who undergo years of training. The factory maintains its own “paint lab” with over 10,000 secret color recipes, ensuring that their porcelain remains the gold standard of “White Gold.”

— See Also:

• Hard-Paste vs. Soft-Paste Porcelain
• European Porcelain History