Meissen figurines represent the pinnacle of European porcelain artistry, with a legacy extending back to 1710 when the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory became Europe's first producer of true hard-paste porcelain.
Meissen set the standard against which all subsequent European porcelain would be judged. From exquisite commedia dell'arte characters to naturalistic animal sculptures and allegorical figures, Meissen figurines showcase over three centuries of evolving artistic excellence and technical mastery.
Known for the iconic crossed swords mark and the exceptional quality that made "Meissen" synonymous with fine porcelain, these figurines remain among the most sought-after collectibles in the ceramic world.
In this blog, we will explore Meissen's history, methods for authenticating genuine pieces through marks and quality indicators, the most celebrated modellers and figurine series, and guidance for collectors interested in acquiring or selling these prestigious ceramics.
The History of Meissen Porcelain
The Meissen story begins with one of Europe's most remarkable technological achievements. In 1708, alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger, working under the direction of scientist Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus and imprisoned by Augustus the Strong, successfully developed Europe's first true hard-paste porcelain. Previously, European potters could only produce soft-paste porcelain or earthenware, while hard-paste porcelain remained an Asian monopoly zealously guarded by Chinese and Japanese manufacturers.
Recognizing the commercial and prestige value of this discovery, Augustus the Strong established the Royal Saxon Porcelain Manufactory in Meissen in 1710. The location, about 25 kilometres from Dresden, offered proximity to necessary materials and the Saxon court while providing security for protecting porcelain-making secrets. Initially, the manufactory focused on reproducing Chinese and Japanese forms, but quickly developed distinctive European styles.
The manufactory's golden age of figurine production began in the 1730s under the direction of Johann Joachim Kändler, arguably the most influential porcelain sculptor in history. Kändler joined Meissen in 1731 and revolutionized porcelain sculpture, creating figurines that transcended mere decoration to achieve genuine artistic merit—his technical innovations and artistic vision established figurine production as central to Meissen's identity.
Throughout the 18th century, Meissen enjoyed unrivalled prestige, supplying European royalty and aristocracy with elaborate table services, decorative objects, and figurines. The manufactory's supremacy diminished somewhat after the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) and the establishment of competing porcelain factories across Europe, but Meissen maintained its reputation for exceptional quality.
The 19th and 20th centuries saw Meissen adapt to changing tastes while preserving traditional techniques. The manufactory survived wars, political upheavals, and the division and reunification of Germany, emerging each time with its reputation intact. Today, Meissen continues operating in its original location, producing both new designs and reproducing classic models from its extensive archives using traditional methods.
Artistic Evolution of Meissen Figurines
Meissen figurines encompass an extraordinary range of subjects and styles developed over three centuries of continuous production.
Commedia dell'Arte Figures (1730s-1740s): Among Meissen's most celebrated creations, these figurines depict characters from Italian improvised comedy, including Harlequin, Columbine, Pantalone, and others. Modelled primarily by Johann Joachim Kändler and Peter Reinicke, these dynamic figures captured personality and movement with unprecedented skill. The bright costumes, expressive poses, and theatrical character made these pieces immediately popular and enduringly collectible.
Animal Sculptures: Kändler excelled at animal sculpture, creating remarkably lifelike porcelain menageries. His large-scale animals—particularly birds such as parrots, herons, and eagles—demonstrated both artistic vision and technical mastery in large-format porcelain production. Smaller animal figurines, including dogs, monkeys, and exotic creatures, showcased Meissen's ability to render fur, feathers, and anatomical details with extraordinary precision.
Allegorical and Mythological Figures: Throughout its history, Meissen produced elegant figurines representing mythological deities, allegorical subjects (the Four Seasons, the Five Senses), and classical themes. These pieces reflected European artistic traditions and demonstrated Meissen's technical capabilities in creating graceful, well-proportioned figures.
Pastoral and Genre Scenes: The mid-18th century saw Meissen create charming figurines depicting idealized rural life—shepherds, shepherdesses, peasants, and craftspeople rendered in decorative, romanticized styles. These pieces reflected Rococo tastes for pastoral themes and picturesque subjects.
Portrait Figurines: Meissen produced figurines depicting historical figures, contemporary personalities, and characters from literature and opera. These pieces combined portraiture accuracy with Meissen's characteristic technical excellence.
19th-Century Production: During the 19th century, Meissen continued producing figurines while adapting to period tastes. The manufactory created pieces in various styles, including Empire, Biedermeier, and Historicism, while also reproducing successful 18th-century models.
20th-Century and Contemporary: Modern Meissen has balanced tradition with innovation, commissioning contemporary artists while continuing to produce classic designs. Limited editions and artist collaborations appeal to collectors interested in both historical and modern porcelain sculpture.
Identifying and Authenticating Meissen Figurines
Authentication of Meissen figurines requires careful examination of marks, quality characteristics, and stylistic elements. Meissen's long history and prestige have made it a frequent target for imitation, making knowledge of authentication essential.
The Crossed Swords Mark
Meissen's crossed swords mark, adopted around 1722-1723, ranks among the world's most recognizable trademarks. Understanding variations in this mark helps date and authenticate pieces.
Early Marks (1720s-1730s): Very early Meissen pieces may lack crossed swords or bear them in forms that differ from later standardized versions. The earliest swords were often crudely drawn or varied in style.
18th-Century Marks: Fully developed crossed swords appear on most Meissen from the 1730s onward. The swords' style, particularly the guards and pommels, evolved over time. Reference guides showing period-specific sword variations are essential for precise dating.
Dot Period (1763-1774): After the Seven Years' War, Meissen added a dot between the sword hilts. This "dot period" mark helps identify pieces from this specific era.
Star Mark (1774-1814): A star between or near the sword hilts marks pieces from this period, corresponding to the directorship of Count Camillo Marcolini.
19th- and 20th-century marks: Later marks show the continued evolution of the crossed swords, with variations in style and the addition of other marks indicating specific decorators, date codes, or production details.
Incised and Impressed Marks: Beyond the painted or printed crossed swords, Meissen pieces often bear incised or impressed marks, including model numbers, decorator marks, and other production information.
Meissen's prestige has made it a frequent target for imitation. Many manufacturers produced pieces "in the Meissen style" or used marks resembling crossed swords. Some key points:
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Meissen has continuously used its crossed swords mark, so the mark's presence alone doesn't guarantee great age
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Many 19th and 20th-century manufacturers used similar marks, particularly other German and French porcelain makers
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Meissen itself produces reproductions of earlier models, marked with crossed swords but of recent manufacture
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Authentication often requires expertise beyond mark examination alone, considering style, quality, and technical characteristics.
Celebrated Meissen Modellers and Series
Understanding significant Meissen modellers and series helps collectors identify and appreciate important pieces.
Johann Joachim Kändler (1706-1775): The most influential Meissen modeller, Kändler created many of the manufactory's most celebrated figurines. His commedia dell'arte series, animal sculptures, and mythological figures set standards for porcelain sculpture. Pieces designed by Kändler, particularly original 18th-century examples, command premium prices.
Peter Reinicke (1715-1768): Working alongside Kändler, Reinicke contributed significantly to Meissen's figurine production, including commedia dell'arte characters and other subjects. His work demonstrates similar quality and artistry to Kändler's.
Johann Friedrich Eberlein (1696-1749): An important early modeller who contributed to Meissen's developing figurine tradition before Kändler's dominance.
Paul Scheurich (1883-1945): A significant 20th-century modeller whose Art Deco period designs brought modern sensibilities to Meissen. His elegant figurines from the 1920s-1930s are highly collectible.
The Monkey Band (Affenkapelle): Perhaps Meissen's most famous series, these figurines depict monkeys as orchestra musicians, satirizing 18th-century court life. Originally modelled by Kändler and Reinicke in the 1740s, this series remains in production and is highly sought after by collectors.
Collecting Meissen Figurines
When collecting Meissen figurines, several factors influence desirability and value:
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Age and Period: Generally, 18th-century Meissen pieces command higher prices than later production, though exceptional 19th- and 20th-century pieces can also be valuable. Original period pieces by celebrated modellers like Kändler achieve premium prices.
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Rarity and Model: Some models are rarer than others, either because they were produced in limited quantities or because few survive. Unusual subjects or rarely encountered models can command strong prices regardless of period.
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Condition: Meissen's hard-paste porcelain is durable, but damage still affects value. Chips, cracks, repairs, or restoration reduce value, sometimes substantially. Original, undamaged pieces with all elements intact command premiums.
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Quality of Painting and Decoration: Even within genuine Meissen production, the quality of decoration varies. Exceptionally well-painted examples by noted decorators achieve higher prices than more standard examples.
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Size and Complexity: Larger, more complex figurines generally command higher prices than smaller, simpler examples, assuming comparable quality and condition.
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Provenance and Documentation: Pieces with documented history, particularly those from notable collections, carry additional value and collector interest.
Vintage Figurines at Around the Block
The enduring appeal of Meissen figurines lies in their historical significance as Europe's first true porcelain, combined with exceptional artistic and technical quality. These pieces represent the standard against which European porcelain has been measured for over three centuries, offering collectors works that unite historical importance with aesthetic excellence. Whether you appreciate 18th-century Rococo masterpieces, 19th-century classical elegance, or 20th-century modernist interpretations, Meissen offers collectors prestigious works from porcelain's most celebrated manufactory.
Around the Block carries all the top porcelain figurine brands, including Herend, Royal Doulton, Lladró, Hutschenreuther, Goebel, Hummel, and more, making us Toronto's premier destination for fine porcelain collectibles. For more information about consigning or purchasing Meissen figurines or other fine porcelain pieces, visit our website or contact us directly.
