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Five Piece Place Setting Bluegrass Series by Meissen The history of porcelain manufacturing in Europe begins in Meissen, Germany near Dresden, the cradle of European porcelain. Apart from the short-lived production of the Medici factory in Florence in the 1560\'s, Meissen was the first successful producer of hard-paste porcelain - or true porcelain - in Europe. Meissen\'s products, and those of its imitators, who came later, destroyed the supremacy of the oriental porcelain that had held a virtual monopoly in the world since Marco Polo opened the china trade in 1295. In the 17th and 18th centuries porcelain was viewed as a great luxury in Europe. Court society longed for everything rare, which porcelain was. It became the fashion for northern European rulers to install a porcelain room where every inch was covered by porcelain. Just as in our time, the ownership of such precious things demonstrated wealth, luxury, and culture. Before Meissen discovered how to produce it, porcelain was being imported from China by the East Indian Company (thus, the term chinaware). The European countries\' desire for porcelain was so great it was causing them troubling trade gaps. To arrest this disastrous outflow of monies, European rulers were frantically trying to find out how to make this chinaware themselves. Nowhere was this search more intense than in Saxony in eastern Germany. Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (who reigned from about 1693 to 1733), was obsessed with a passion for porcelain. He had heard of a young alchemist, Johann Frederick Bottger, who had worked for Frederick I of Prussia, having boasted that he could turn base metal into gold. Proving unsuccessful in this process, Bottger fled Berlin to Saxony (he was only about 20 years old at this time), where he was immediately imprisoned by Augustus. Augustus felt if Bottger could produce gold, he could also produce porcelain-or \white gold\ as it was called then. In 1709, aided by the discovery of deposits of Kaolin (china clay) nearby, Bottger informed Augustus that he had discovered the arcanum-the secret ingredients of porcelain. In 1710 Augustus decreed the founding of his manufactory and transferred Bottger and his helpers to the royal summer palace in Meissen. Augustus continued to hold them prisoners in the palace in order to protect the Arcanum. Meissen was able to protect this secret for years before workmen escaped with their knowledge of porcelain making, and wholesale copying of Meissen across the western world began. Bottger died in 1719, and a year later Johann Gregorius Horoldt began work at Meissen, which he took to a whole new level when he invented and manufactured many brilliant Meissen paint colors, as well as introducing many of the decorations typical of Meissen. In 1730, influenced greatly by the East Indian wares, Meissen created its first Red Dragon pattern. Augustus commissioned the first complete dinner service for his court dining room, thus giving this pattern its name of \court dragon\. This pattern remained in the sole preserve of the Saxon royal family until 1918, when the first world war ended Saxon royalty. By 1739, under Horoldt\'s direction, the mastering of cobalt blue underglaze color was such that the blue-white decorations (such as Blue Onion) could be manufactured. In 1730, Horoldt was joined by a 24 year old court sculptor, Johann Joachim Kaendler. Augustus, impressed by his work, had ordered Kaendler to join the Meissen manufactory. Augustus proved himself to have a good eye, for J.J. Kandler turned out to be, perhaps, the greatest porcelain modeler of all time. One of his greatest works, the Swan Service, was commissioned by the Saxon Prime Minister, Heinrich Count Von Bruhl, and was produced between 1735 and 1741. It consisted of over 2000 pieces, and was the most extensive service ever made. Many of these pieces will never be produced again, as the occupying forces used the molds for target practice during the Second World War. Nevertheless, Meissen continues to create a number of these extraordinary pieces today. Meissen is as famous for its figurines as for its table services. The members of the royal court used figurines for table decorations, much as people do today. Kaendler\'s talent is known to every connoisseur of porcelain today. In 1734, Kaendler produced the now famous pug dog. These dogs happened to be Prime Minister Count Bruhl\'s favorite dogs, and Kaendler captured their charm with great skill. Indeed, centuries later, the Duchess of Windsor collected these pieces. Kaendler also created the Italian Comedy, composed of a wide variety of humorous, sad and sympathetic characters. The most frequently depicted and most endearing character is Harlequin. The poses in which Kaendler imagined this one character alone would suffice to establish his greatness as a modeler. In 1753 Kaendler created 21 charmingly amusing Monkey Musicians, which composed the famous Monkey Orchestra. The story is that Kaendler modeled them after members of the Saxon court, though this cannot be documented. As every piece of Meissen is handpainted by Meissen artisans, each monkey has its own unique touch. The monkey band is one of the most famous of the Meissen figurine collections, and is extremely popular among today\'s collectors. Kaendler and Hoeroldt both died in 1775, a great loss for the manufactory and the world, but Meissen\'s creativity continued. In 1814 Heinrich Gootlob Kuehn became the managing director, and, three years after his arrival, developed the color chromium-oxide green, resulting in the much loved \Vine Leaves\ pattern being produced. Ten years later, in 1827, Kuehn developed the bright gold, which we take so much for granted today. Fast forward to1889, when Julius Conrad Hentschel began attending Meissen drawing school. His enormous talent did not go unnoticed, and by 1897, after much training, Hentschel became a Meissen designer. Hentschel designed during the Art Nouveau period, and this movement influenced the sculptor in the production of his most famous work, \Hentschel\'s Children\, fourteen porcelain children created between1904 - 1907. Hentschel captured the changing attitude toward children in the early 1900s. Children were no longer viewed as little adults, but rather as individuals in their own right. Figures of children became more true to life. Cuteness was replaced by everyday childhood realities. Hentschel died quite unexpectedly in 1907, leaving behind his detailed, loving observations of children\'s activities. The Second World War and its aftermath were difficult years for Meissen. Molds were destroyed and pieces were broken or disappeared. Meissen was instructed to produce wares representing the new meaning of life in a socialist society. This proved nearly impossible for the Meissen manufactory, as designers attempted to conform to these orders, and no one was interested in the objects created under such restrictions. During this period, Meissen had to confront the question as to whether or not it should remain a manufactory, where everything was made by hand and every piece would remain unique with no two pieces exactly alike, or become a factory, where machines mass produced the large numbers required of a factory. It was not until 1969, when the new Director, Karl Peterman, took the helm and returned the freedom to create to the designers, that the original course of Meissen as manufactory again reigned. Once again, Meissen was able to preserve the old traditions, and maintain the high standards of its workers and artists. In 1960 Professor Heinz Werner (porcelain designer and pattern painter), Ludwig Zepner (designer and modeler), and Peter Strang (sculpturer) became founding members of Meissen\'s new Artistic Development group. Professor Werner\'s best known creations are \Arabian Nights\, shown in the March, 2005 edition of Elle Décor, and \Blue Orchid\. Ludwig Zepner designed two new table services \Grosse Ausschnitt\ and \Grosse Ausschnitt Relief\ the most successful Meissen services of the second half of the 20th century. Peter Strang opened a new chapter in the history of Meissen sculpture. His work dominates contemporary Meissen sculpture. Much of Strang\'s work is based on the theater and on circus figures-his clown musicians are loved the world over. Sabine Wachs arrived at Meissen in 1986, and, between1993-1996, created the newest Meissen tableware. This service, called \Waves\ and \Waves Relief\, is shown in many patterns, one as beautiful as the next. In 2000, Meissen visited L. V. Harkness & Company in Lexington, Kentucky. They became enchanted with the Bluegrass region, its legends and its stories, and not long after their visit, created a new pattern, called \Bluegrass\ on the Waves form. This they dedicated to L. V. Harkness to commemorate their visit. It is understandable that we are very proud of such an incredible honor. L.V. Harkness is also proud to have Meissen create \Jockey\ Birds in honor of Kentucky\'s rich racing heritage. a very unique gift from the rolling hills of Kentucky. Meissen continues to be one of the finest porcelain manufactories in the world today, and we urge you to view Meissen on our website.
Five Piece Place Setting Bluegrass Series by Meissen (76933)
$1,894
Moser Splendid Small Plate
Moser Splendid Small Plate (102538)
$380
Moser Splendid Large Plate The genius behind Moser Glass, one of the most respected names in the crystal industry, was Ludwig Moser. He was born in 1833 in the spa town of Karlovy Vary, now the Czech Republic, to Henriette and Lazar Moser. He received his primary education in Karlovy Vary, and then attended a secondary technical school in Vienna for four years. In 1847, he returned to Karlovy Vary and continued his studies in nearby Loket, but left school in 1848 for family and financial reasons. He took an apprenticeship with the renowned glass engraver A.H. Mattoni, one of the founders of that great tradition in Karlovy Vary. After 2 years under Mattoni\'s tutelage, Moser left to look for work as a glass engraver before returning to Karlovy Vary and Mattoni, where he took a position in his workshop as an engraver. In 1851, he took a job in a workshop in Prague, and attended drawing classes taught by Christian Ruben, a well-known painter of historical scenes. He joined the Craftsman\'s Association and gained some notoriety with his engravings of hunting and ornamental motifs. His newly acquired experience and personal success encouraged him to return once again to Karlovy Vary and start his own business, leasing a boutique from his one time mentor, Mattoni, in 1855. Moser\'s boutique thrived on the banks of the Tepla River, benefiting greatly from the seasonal tourists visiting the bustling spa town. He offered finished products for sale, and would also engrave special orders for wealthier customers. He kept the boutique open through the summer of 1856, and worked from his parent\'s home in the winter. By 1857, it was time to grow from a seasonal shop into his own full time business. He began to lay the foundation for what we know today as Moser Glass. He opened a store where he sold not only typical Bohemian engraved glass, but also fashionable alabaster glass pieces, punch services, and chandelier drops, all of which he purchased from other glassworks. The 1860\'s represented a time of tremendous growth, both in business and personally, for Moser. He married and had 6 children, and when his wife died in 1869, he married Julie Meyer and had 4 more sons. He also opened a second shop and enjoyed much success selling mirrors, frames, and, with the introduction of gas lighting, gas chandeliers and wall lights. By 1873, he took over the shop of his competitor Hoffman and with his purchase, acquired the warehouse of one of the largest mirror producers in the Austro-Hunagarian Empire. His establishment of such a stable and prosperous business allowed him to take on other projects in the later 1860\'s and early 1870\'s. He began to focus on expanding his own production, most likely very conscious of the need to respond to the ever changing stylistic developments of this period. He thus began to promote his products and show them at exhibitions around the world. He was awarded several medals at various shows, and in 1873 received the prestigious Medal of Merit at the World Exhibition in Vienna. That same year, Moser was named the official supplier to the imperial and royal court, and had also secured a stable market in London, Paris, New York, and St. Petersburg. It was during these prosperous years of the early to mid 1870\'s that the range of products changed to selling exclusively decorative and drinking glass. By 1892, Moser decided the dependence on raw glass sources became too difficult, and thus obtained a building permit for his own glassworks in Karlovy Vary. The success of the glassworks continued well into the 20th century with Moser\'s sons at the helm. Not even the tumultuous years of WWII and the communist regime through the 1990\'s affected the quality of Moser\'s product or its prestigious reputation. It remains today one of the most beautiful of the Bohemian glass companies, known world wide for the exquisite copper-wheel engraving, exacting cuts, rich color, and impeccable design. Moser has truly earned the moniker \Glass of Kings.\
Moser Splendid Large Plate (44117)
$1,210
\Les Peches\ Dinner Plate - Frog Gigging From 1840-1846, Ambroise-Louis Garneray, a painter of seascapes at the Sèvres manufactory, produced a significant dinner service devoted to the theme of fishing. He initially envisioned a collection of 121 pieces, but only 85 went on to be produced. Today, only a few pieces from the collection still remain: four are currently housed in the National Ceramics Museum in Sèvres, and two others are held in the Louvre Museum. Each piece is embellished with a decorative band depicting fish or seagulls with coral, tridents and oars intertwining with seagrass. On the inner rim, shellfish alternate with crustaceans against the appropriate backdrop of a fishing net. The principal illustration of each dinner plate, placed in the center well of the plate, portrays a different marine scene with meticulous attention to detail. Among the themes are: angling for sardines, coral, frogs, minnows and trawling for oysters. The last of the images is more peaceful and depicts a fishing scene on the calm waters of a pond.
"Les Peches" Dinner Plate - Frog Gigging (50206)
$140
\Les Peches\ Dinner Plate - Sardine Fishing From 1840-1846, Ambroise-Louis Garneray, a painter of seascapes at the Sèvres manufactory, produced a significant dinner service devoted to the theme of fishing. He initially envisioned a collection of 121 pieces, but only 85 went on to be produced. Today, only a few pieces from the collection still remain: four are currently housed in the National Ceramics Museum in Sèvres, and two others are held in the Louvre Museum. Each piece is embellished with a decorative band depicting fish or seagulls with coral, tridents and oars intertwining with seagrass. On the inner rim, shellfish alternate with crustaceans against the appropriate backdrop of a fishing net. The principal illustration of each dinner plate, placed in the center well of the plate, portrays a different marine scene with meticulous attention to detail. Among the themes are: angling for sardines, coral, frogs, minnows and trawling for oysters. The last of the images is more peaceful and depicts a fishing scene on the calm waters of a pond.
"Les Peches" Dinner Plate - Sardine Fishing (50207)
$140
\Les Peches\ Dinner Plate - Oyster Fishing From 1840-1846, Ambroise-Louis Garneray, a painter of seascapes at the Sèvres manufactory, produced a significant dinner service devoted to the theme of fishing. He initially envisioned a collection of 121 pieces, but only 85 went on to be produced. Today, only a few pieces from the collection still remain: four are currently housed in the National Ceramics Museum in Sèvres, and two others are held in the Louvre Museum. Each piece is embellished with a decorative band depicting fish or seagulls with coral, tridents and oars intertwining with seagrass. On the inner rim, shellfish alternate with crustaceans against the appropriate backdrop of a fishing net. The principal illustration of each dinner plate, placed in the center well of the plate, portrays a different marine scene with meticulous attention to detail. Among the themes are: angling for sardines, coral, frogs, minnows and trawling for oysters. The last of the images is more peaceful and depicts a fishing scene on the calm waters of a pond.
"Les Peches" Dinner Plate - Oyster Fishing (50208)
$140
\Les Peches\ Dinner Plate - Fishing the Pond From 1840-1846, Ambroise-Louis Garneray, a painter of seascapes at the Sèvres manufactory, produced a significant dinner service devoted to the theme of fishing. He initially envisioned a collection of 121 pieces, but only 85 went on to be produced. Today, only a few pieces from the collection still remain: four are currently housed in the National Ceramics Museum in Sèvres, and two others are held in the Louvre Museum. Each piece is embellished with a decorative band depicting fish or seagulls with coral, tridents and oars intertwining with seagrass. On the inner rim, shellfish alternate with crustaceans against the appropriate backdrop of a fishing net. The principal illustration of each dinner plate, placed in the center well of the plate, portrays a different marine scene with meticulous attention to detail. Among the themes are: angling for sardines, coral, frogs, minnows and trawling for oysters. The last of the images is more peaceful and depicts a fishing scene on the calm waters of a pond.
"Les Peches" Dinner Plate - Fishing the Pond (50209)
$140
\Les Peches\ Dinner Plate - Minnow Fishing From 1840-1846, Ambroise-Louis Garneray, a painter of seascapes at the Sèvres manufactory, produced a significant dinner service devoted to the theme of fishing. He initially envisioned a collection of 121 pieces, but only 85 went on to be produced. Today, only a few pieces from the collection still remain: four are currently housed in the National Ceramics Museum in Sèvres, and two others are held in the Louvre Museum. Each piece is embellished with a decorative band depicting fish or seagulls with coral, tridents and oars intertwining with seagrass. On the inner rim, shellfish alternate with crustaceans against the appropriate backdrop of a fishing net. The principal illustration of each dinner plate, placed in the center well of the plate, portrays a different marine scene with meticulous attention to detail. Among the themes are: angling for sardines, coral, frogs, minnows and trawling for oysters. The last of the images is more peaceful and depicts a fishing scene on the calm waters of a pond.
"Les Peches" Dinner Plate - Minnow Fishing (50211)
$140
\Les Peches\ Dinner Plate - Coral Fishing From 1840-1846, Ambroise-Louis Garneray, a painter of seascapes at the Sèvres manufactory, produced a significant dinner service devoted to the theme of fishing. He initially envisioned a collection of 121 pieces, but only 85 went on to be produced. Today, only a few pieces from the collection still remain: four are currently housed in the National Ceramics Museum in Sèvres, and two others are held in the Louvre Museum. Each piece is embellished with a decorative band depicting fish or seagulls with coral, tridents and oars intertwining with seagrass. On the inner rim, shellfish alternate with crustaceans against the appropriate backdrop of a fishing net. The principal illustration of each dinner plate, placed in the center well of the plate, portrays a different marine scene with meticulous attention to detail. Among the themes are: angling for sardines, coral, frogs, minnows and trawling for oysters. The last of the images is more peaceful and depicts a fishing scene on the calm waters of a pond.
"Les Peches" Dinner Plate - Coral Fishing (50210)
$140
\Les Peches\ Fish Platter From 1840-1846, Ambroise-Louis Garneray, a painter of seascapes at the Sèvres manufactory, produced a significant dinner service devoted to the theme of fishing. He initially envisioned a collection of 121 pieces, but only 85 went on to be produced. Today, only a few pieces from the collection still remain: four are currently housed in the National Ceramics Museum in Sèvres, and two others are held in the Louvre Museum. Each piece is embellished with a decorative band depicting fish or seagulls with coral, tridents and oars intertwining with seagrass. On the inner rim, shellfish alternate with crustaceans against the appropriate backdrop of a fishing net.
"Les Peches" Fish Platter (102583)
$800
\Les Peches\ Sauce Boat From 1840-1846, Ambroise-Louis Garneray, a painter of seascapes at the Sèvres manufactory, produced a significant dinner service devoted to the theme of fishing. He initially envisioned a collection of 121 pieces, but only 85 went on to be produced. Today, only a few pieces from the collection still remain: four are currently housed in the National Ceramics Museum in Sèvres, and two others are held in the Louvre Museum. Each piece is embellished with a decorative band depicting fish or seagulls with coral, tridents and oars intertwining with seagrass. On the inner rim, shellfish alternate with crustaceans against the appropriate backdrop of a fishing net.
"Les Peches" Sauce Boat (77095)
$273
Meissen Waves Relief Five Piece Place Setting W/ Breakfast Cup The history of porcelain manufacturing in Europe begins in Meissen, Germany near Dresden, the cradle of European porcelain. Apart from the short-lived production of the Medici factory in Florence in the 1560\'s, Meissen was the first successful producer of hard-paste porcelain - or true porcelain - in Europe. Meissen\'s products, and those of its imitators, who came later, destroyed the supremacy of the oriental porcelain that had held a virtual monopoly in the world since Marco Polo opened the china trade in 1295. In the 17th and 18th centuries porcelain was viewed as a great luxury in Europe. Court society longed for everything rare, which porcelain was. It became the fashion for northern European rulers to install a porcelain room where every inch was covered by porcelain. Just as in our time, the ownership of such precious things demonstrated wealth, luxury, and culture. Before Meissen discovered how to produce it, porcelain was being imported from China by the East Indian Company (thus, the term chinaware). The European countries\' desire for porcelain was so great it was causing them troubling trade gaps. To arrest this disastrous outflow of monies, European rulers were frantically trying to find out how to make this chinaware themselves. Nowhere was this search more intense than in Saxony in eastern Germany. Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (who reigned from about 1693 to 1733), was obsessed with a passion for porcelain. He had heard of a young alchemist, Johann Frederick Bottger, who had worked for Frederick I of Prussia, having boasted that he could turn base metal into gold. Proving unsuccessful in this process, Bottger fled Berlin to Saxony (he was only about 20 years old at this time), where he was immediately imprisoned by Augustus. Augustus felt if Bottger could produce gold, he could also produce porcelain-or \white gold\ as it was called then. In 1709, aided by the discovery of deposits of Kaolin (china clay) nearby, Bottger informed Augustus that he had discovered the arcanum-the secret ingredients of porcelain. In 1710 Augustus decreed the founding of his manufactory and transferred Bottger and his helpers to the royal summer palace in Meissen. Augustus continued to hold them prisoners in the palace in order to protect the Arcanum. Meissen was able to protect this secret for years before workmen escaped with their knowledge of porcelain making, and wholesale copying of Meissen across the western world began. Bottger died in 1719, and a year later Johann Gregorius Horoldt began work at Meissen, which he took to a whole new level when he invented and manufactured many brilliant Meissen paint colors, as well as introducing many of the decorations typical of Meissen. In 1730, influenced greatly by the East Indian wares, Meissen created its first Red Dragon pattern. Augustus commissioned the first complete dinner service for his court dining room, thus giving this pattern its name of \court dragon\. This pattern remained in the sole preserve of the Saxon royal family until 1918, when the first world war ended Saxon royalty. By 1739, under Horoldt\'s direction, the mastering of cobalt blue underglaze color was such that the blue-white decorations (such as Blue Onion) could be manufactured. In 1730, Horoldt was joined by a 24 year old court sculptor, Johann Joachim Kaendler. Augustus, impressed by his work, had ordered Kaendler to join the Meissen manufactory. Augustus proved himself to have a good eye, for J.J. Kandler turned out to be, perhaps, the greatest porcelain modeler of all time. One of his greatest works, the Swan Service, was commissioned by the Saxon Prime Minister, Heinrich Count Von Bruhl, and was produced between 1735 and 1741. It consisted of over 2000 pieces, and was the most extensive service ever made. Many of these pieces will never be produced again, as the occupying forces used the moulds for target practice during the Second World War. Nevertheless, Meissen continues to create a number of these extraordinary pieces today. Meissen is as famous for its figurines as for its table services. The members of the royal court used figurines for table decorations, much as people do today. Kaendler\'s talent is known to every connoisseur of porcelain today. In 1734, Kaendler produced the now famous pug dog. These dogs happened to be Prime Minister Count Bruhl\'s favorite dogs, and Kaendler captured their charm with great skill. Indeed, centuries later, the Duchess of Windsor collected these pieces. Kaendler also created the Italian Comedy, composed of a wide variety of humorous, sad and sympathetic characters. The most frequently depicted and most endearing character is Harlequin. The poses in which Kaendler imagined this one character alone would suffice to establish his greatness as a modeler. In 1753 Kaendler created 21 charmingly amusing Monkey Musicians, which composed the famous Monkey Orchestra. The story is that Kaendler modeled them after members of the Saxon court, though this cannot be documented. As every piece of Meissen is handpainted by Meissen artisans, each monkey has its own unique touch. The monkey band is one of the most famous of the Meissen figurine collections, and is extremely popular among today\'s collectors. Kaendler and Hoeroldt both died in 1775, a great loss for the manufactory and the world, but Meissen\'s creativity continued. In 1814 Heinrich Gootlob Kuehn became the managing director, and, three years after his arrival, developed the color chromium-oxide green, resulting in the much loved \Vine Leaves\ pattern being produced. Ten years later, in 1827, Kuehn developed the bright gold, which we take so much for granted today. Fast forward to1889, when Julius Conrad Hentschel began attending Meissen drawing school. His enormous talent did not go unnoticed, and by 1897, after much training, Hentschel became a Meissen designer. Hentschel designed during the Art Nouveau period, and this movement influenced the sculptor in the production of his most famous work, \Hentschel\'s Children,\ fourteen porcelain children created between1904 - 1907. Hentschel captured the changing attitude toward children in the early 1900s. Children were no longer viewed as little adults, but rather as individuals in their own right. Figures of children became more true to life. Cuteness was replaced by everyday childhood realities. Hentschel died quite unexpectedly in 1907, leaving behind his detailed, loving observations of children\'s activities. The Second World War and its aftermath were difficult years for Meissen. Molds were destroyed and pieces were broken or disappeared. Meissen was instructed to produce wares representing the new meaning of life in a socialist society. This proved nearly impossible for the Meissen manufactory, as designers attempted to conform to these orders, and no one was interested in the objects created under such restrictions. During this period, Meissen had to confront the question as to whether or not it should remain a manufactory, where everything was made by hand and every piece would remain unique with no two pieces exactly alike, or become a factory, where machines mass produced the large numbers required of a factory. It was not until 1969, when the new Director, Karl Peterman, took the helm and returned the freedom to create to the designers, that the original course of Meissen as manufactory again reigned. Once again, Meissen was able to preserve the old traditions, and maintain the high standards of its workers and artists. In 1960 Professor Heinz Werner (porcelain designer and pattern painter), Ludwig Zepner (designer and modeler), and Peter Strang (sculpturer) became founding members of Meissen\'s new Artistic Development group. Professor Werner\'s best known creations are \Arabian Nights,\ shown in the March, 2005 edition of Elle, and \Blue Orchid.\ Ludwig Zepner designed two new table services \Grosse Ausschnitt\ and \Grosse Ausschnitt Relief\ the most successful Meissen services of the second half of the 20th century. Peter Strang opened a new chapter in the history of Meissen sculpture. His work dominates contemporary Meissen sculpture. Much of Strang\'s work is based on the theater and on circus figures-his clown musicians are loved the world over. Sabine Wachs arrived at Meissen in 1986, and, between1993-1996, created the newest Meissen tableware. This service, called \Waves\ and \Waves Relief,\ is shown in many patterns, one as beautiful as the next. In 2000, Meissen visited L. V. Harkness & Company in Lexington, Kentucky. They became enchanted with the Bluegrass region, its legends and its stories, and not long after their visit, created a new pattern, called \Bluegrass\ on the Waves form. This they dedicated to L. V. Harkness to commemorate their visit. It is understandable that we are very proud of such an incredible honor. L.V. Harkness is also proud to have Meissen create \Jockey Birds\ in honor of Kentucky\'s rich racing heritage. a very unique gift from the rolling hills of Kentucky. Meissen continues to be one of the finest porcelain manufactories in the world today, and we urge you to view Meissen on our website.
Meissen Waves Relief Five Piece Place Setting W/ Breakfast Cup (37470)
$235
Meissen Waves Relief White Charger The history of porcelain manufacturing in Europe begins in Meissen, Germany near Dresden, the cradle of European porcelain. Apart from the short-lived production of the Medici factory in Florence in the 1560\'s, Meissen was the first successful producer of hard-paste porcelain - or true porcelain - in Europe. Meissen\'s products, and those of its imitators, who came later, destroyed the supremacy of the oriental porcelain that had held a virtual monopoly in the world since Marco Polo opened the china trade in 1295. In the 17th and 18th centuries porcelain was viewed as a great luxury in Europe. Court society longed for everything rare, which porcelain was. It became the fashion for northern European rulers to install a porcelain room where every inch was covered by porcelain. Just as in our time, the ownership of such precious things demonstrated wealth, luxury, and culture. Before Meissen discovered how to produce it, porcelain was being imported from China by the East Indian Company (thus, the term chinaware). The European countries\' desire for porcelain was so great it was causing them troubling trade gaps. To arrest this disastrous outflow of monies, European rulers were frantically trying to find out how to make this chinaware themselves. Nowhere was this search more intense than in Saxony in eastern Germany. Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (who reigned from about 1693 to 1733), was obsessed with a passion for porcelain. He had heard of a young alchemist, Johann Frederick Bottger, who had worked for Frederick I of Prussia, having boasted that he could turn base metal into gold. Proving unsuccessful in this process, Bottger fled Berlin to Saxony (he was only about 20 years old at this time), where he was immediately imprisoned by Augustus. Augustus felt if Bottger could produce gold, he could also produce porcelain-or \white gold\ as it was called then. In 1709, aided by the discovery of deposits of Kaolin (china clay) nearby, Bottger informed Augustus that he had discovered the arcanum-the secret ingredients of porcelain. In 1710 Augustus decreed the founding of his manufactory and transferred Bottger and his helpers to the royal summer palace in Meissen. Augustus continued to hold them prisoners in the palace in order to protect the Arcanum. Meissen was able to protect this secret for years before workmen escaped with their knowledge of porcelain making, and wholesale copying of Meissen across the western world began. Bottger died in 1719, and a year later Johann Gregorius Horoldt began work at Meissen, which he took to a whole new level when he invented and manufactured many brilliant Meissen paint colors, as well as introducing many of the decorations typical of Meissen. In 1730, influenced greatly by the East Indian wares, Meissen created its first Red Dragon pattern. Augustus commissioned the first complete dinner service for his court dining room, thus giving this pattern its name of \court dragon\. This pattern remained in the sole preserve of the Saxon royal family until 1918, when the first world war ended Saxon royalty. By 1739, under Horoldt\'s direction, the mastering of cobalt blue underglaze color was such that the blue-white decorations (such as Blue Onion) could be manufactured. In 1730, Horoldt was joined by a 24 year old court sculptor, Johann Joachim Kaendler. Augustus, impressed by his work, had ordered Kaendler to join the Meissen manufactory. Augustus proved himself to have a good eye, for J.J. Kandler turned out to be, perhaps, the greatest porcelain modeler of all time. One of his greatest works, the Swan Service, was commissioned by the Saxon Prime Minister, Heinrich Count Von Bruhl, and was produced between 1735 and 1741. It consisted of over 2000 pieces, and was the most extensive service ever made. Many of these pieces will never be produced again, as the occupying forces used the moulds for target practice during the Second World War. Nevertheless, Meissen continues to create a number of these extraordinary pieces today. Meissen is as famous for its figurines as for its table services. The members of the royal court used figurines for table decorations, much as people do today. Kaendler\'s talent is known to every connoisseur of porcelain today. In 1734, Kaendler produced the now famous pug dog. These dogs happened to be Prime Minister Count Bruhl\'s favorite dogs, and Kaendler captured their charm with great skill. Indeed, centuries later, the Duchess of Windsor collected these pieces. Kaendler also created the Italian Comedy, composed of a wide variety of humorous, sad and sympathetic characters. The most frequently depicted and most endearing character is Harlequin. The poses in which Kaendler imagined this one character alone would suffice to establish his greatness as a modeler. In 1753 Kaendler created 21 charmingly amusing Monkey Musicians, which composed the famous Monkey Orchestra. The story is that Kaendler modeled them after members of the Saxon court, though this cannot be documented. As every piece of Meissen is handpainted by Meissen artisans, each monkey has its own unique touch. The monkey band is one of the most famous of the Meissen figurine collections, and is extremely popular among today\'s collectors. Kaendler and Hoeroldt both died in 1775, a great loss for the manufactory and the world, but Meissen\'s creativity continued. In 1814 Heinrich Gootlob Kuehn became the managing director, and, three years after his arrival, developed the color chromium-oxide green, resulting in the much loved \Vine Leaves\ pattern being produced. Ten years later, in 1827, Kuehn developed the bright gold, which we take so much for granted today. Fast forward to1889, when Julius Conrad Hentschel began attending Meissen drawing school. His enormous talent did not go unnoticed, and by 1897, after much training, Hentschel became a Meissen designer. Hentschel designed during the Art Nouveau period, and this movement influenced the sculptor in the production of his most famous work, \Hentschel\'s Children,\ fourteen porcelain children created between1904 - 1907. Hentschel captured the changing attitude toward children in the early 1900s. Children were no longer viewed as little adults, but rather as individuals in their own right. Figures of children became more true to life. Cuteness was replaced by everyday childhood realities. Hentschel died quite unexpectedly in 1907, leaving behind his detailed, loving observations of children\'s activities. The Second World War and its aftermath were difficult years for Meissen. Molds were destroyed and pieces were broken or disappeared. Meissen was instructed to produce wares representing the new meaning of life in a socialist society. This proved nearly impossible for the Meissen manufactory, as designers attempted to conform to these orders, and no one was interested in the objects created under such restrictions. During this period, Meissen had to confront the question as to whether or not it should remain a manufactory, where everything was made by hand and every piece would remain unique with no two pieces exactly alike, or become a factory, where machines mass produced the large numbers required of a factory. It was not until 1969, when the new Director, Karl Peterman, took the helm and returned the freedom to create to the designers, that the original course of Meissen as manufactory again reigned. Once again, Meissen was able to preserve the old traditions, and maintain the high standards of its workers and artists. In 1960 Professor Heinz Werner (porcelain designer and pattern painter), Ludwig Zepner (designer and modeler), and Peter Strang (sculpturer) became founding members of Meissen\'s new Artistic Development group. Professor Werner\'s best known creations are \Arabian Nights,\ shown in the March, 2005 edition of Elle, and \Blue Orchid.\ Ludwig Zepner designed two new table services \Grosse Ausschnitt\ and \Grosse Ausschnitt Relief\ the most successful Meissen services of the second half of the 20th century. Peter Strang opened a new chapter in the history of Meissen sculpture. His work dominates contemporary Meissen sculpture. Much of Strang\'s work is based on the theater and on circus figures-his clown musicians are loved the world over. Sabine Wachs arrived at Meissen in 1986, and, between1993-1996, created the newest Meissen tableware. This service, called \Waves\ and \Waves Relief,\ is shown in many patterns, one as beautiful as the next. In 2000, Meissen visited L. V. Harkness & Company in Lexington, Kentucky. They became enchanted with the Bluegrass region, its legends and its stories, and not long after their visit, created a new pattern, called \Bluegrass\ on the Waves form. This they dedicated to L. V. Harkness to commemorate their visit. It is understandable that we are very proud of such an incredible honor. L.V. Harkness is also proud to have Meissen create \Jockey Birds\ in honor of Kentucky\'s rich racing heritage. a very unique gift from the rolling hills of Kentucky. Meissen continues to be one of the finest porcelain manufactories in the world today, and we urge you to view Meissen on our website.
Meissen Waves Relief White Charger (61228)
$114
Meissen Waves Relief Dinner Plate The history of porcelain manufacturing in Europe begins in Meissen, Germany near Dresden, the cradle of European porcelain. Apart from the short-lived production of the Medici factory in Florence in the 1560\'s, Meissen was the first successful producer of hard-paste porcelain - or true porcelain - in Europe. Meissen\'s products, and those of its imitators, who came later, destroyed the supremacy of the oriental porcelain that had held a virtual monopoly in the world since Marco Polo opened the china trade in 1295. In the 17th and 18th centuries porcelain was viewed as a great luxury in Europe. Court society longed for everything rare, which porcelain was. It became the fashion for northern European rulers to install a porcelain room where every inch was covered by porcelain. Just as in our time, the ownership of such precious things demonstrated wealth, luxury, and culture. Before Meissen discovered how to produce it, porcelain was being imported from China by the East Indian Company (thus, the term chinaware). The European countries\' desire for porcelain was so great it was causing them troubling trade gaps. To arrest this disastrous outflow of monies, European rulers were frantically trying to find out how to make this chinaware themselves. Nowhere was this search more intense than in Saxony in eastern Germany. Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (who reigned from about 1693 to 1733), was obsessed with a passion for porcelain. He had heard of a young alchemist, Johann Frederick Bottger, who had worked for Frederick I of Prussia, having boasted that he could turn base metal into gold. Proving unsuccessful in this process, Bottger fled Berlin to Saxony (he was only about 20 years old at this time), where he was immediately imprisoned by Augustus. Augustus felt if Bottger could produce gold, he could also produce porcelain-or \white gold\ as it was called then. In 1709, aided by the discovery of deposits of Kaolin (china clay) nearby, Bottger informed Augustus that he had discovered the arcanum-the secret ingredients of porcelain. In 1710 Augustus decreed the founding of his manufactory and transferred Bottger and his helpers to the royal summer palace in Meissen. Augustus continued to hold them prisoners in the palace in order to protect the Arcanum. Meissen was able to protect this secret for years before workmen escaped with their knowledge of porcelain making, and wholesale copying of Meissen across the western world began. Bottger died in 1719, and a year later Johann Gregorius Horoldt began work at Meissen, which he took to a whole new level when he invented and manufactured many brilliant Meissen paint colors, as well as introducing many of the decorations typical of Meissen. In 1730, influenced greatly by the East Indian wares, Meissen created its first Red Dragon pattern. Augustus commissioned the first complete dinner service for his court dining room, thus giving this pattern its name of \court dragon\. This pattern remained in the sole preserve of the Saxon royal family until 1918, when the first world war ended Saxon royalty. By 1739, under Horoldt\'s direction, the mastering of cobalt blue underglaze color was such that the blue-white decorations (such as Blue Onion) could be manufactured. In 1730, Horoldt was joined by a 24 year old court sculptor, Johann Joachim Kaendler. Augustus, impressed by his work, had ordered Kaendler to join the Meissen manufactory. Augustus proved himself to have a good eye, for J.J. Kandler turned out to be, perhaps, the greatest porcelain modeler of all time. One of his greatest works, the Swan Service, was commissioned by the Saxon Prime Minister, Heinrich Count Von Bruhl, and was produced between 1735 and 1741. It consisted of over 2000 pieces, and was the most extensive service ever made. Many of these pieces will never be produced again, as the occupying forces used the moulds for target practice during the Second World War. Nevertheless, Meissen continues to create a number of these extraordinary pieces today. Meissen is as famous for its figurines as for its table services. The members of the royal court used figurines for table decorations, much as people do today. Kaendler\'s talent is known to every connoisseur of porcelain today. In 1734, Kaendler produced the now famous pug dog. These dogs happened to be Prime Minister Count Bruhl\'s favorite dogs, and Kaendler captured their charm with great skill. Indeed, centuries later, the Duchess of Windsor collected these pieces. Kaendler also created the Italian Comedy, composed of a wide variety of humorous, sad and sympathetic characters. The most frequently depicted and most endearing character is Harlequin. The poses in which Kaendler imagined this one character alone would suffice to establish his greatness as a modeler. In 1753 Kaendler created 21 charmingly amusing Monkey Musicians, which composed the famous Monkey Orchestra. The story is that Kaendler modeled them after members of the Saxon court, though this cannot be documented. As every piece of Meissen is handpainted by Meissen artisans, each monkey has its own unique touch. The monkey band is one of the most famous of the Meissen figurine collections, and is extremely popular among today\'s collectors. Kaendler and Hoeroldt both died in 1775, a great loss for the manufactory and the world, but Meissen\'s creativity continued. In 1814 Heinrich Gootlob Kuehn became the managing director, and, three years after his arrival, developed the color chromium-oxide green, resulting in the much loved \Vine Leaves\ pattern being produced. Ten years later, in 1827, Kuehn developed the bright gold, which we take so much for granted today. Fast forward to1889, when Julius Conrad Hentschel began attending Meissen drawing school. His enormous talent did not go unnoticed, and by 1897, after much training, Hentschel became a Meissen designer. Hentschel designed during the Art Nouveau period, and this movement influenced the sculptor in the production of his most famous work, \Hentschel\'s Children,\ fourteen porcelain children created between1904 - 1907. Hentschel captured the changing attitude toward children in the early 1900s. Children were no longer viewed as little adults, but rather as individuals in their own right. Figures of children became more true to life. Cuteness was replaced by everyday childhood realities. Hentschel died quite unexpectedly in 1907, leaving behind his detailed, loving observations of children\'s activities. The Second World War and its aftermath were difficult years for Meissen. Molds were destroyed and pieces were broken or disappeared. Meissen was instructed to produce wares representing the new meaning of life in a socialist society. This proved nearly impossible for the Meissen manufactory, as designers attempted to conform to these orders, and no one was interested in the objects created under such restrictions. During this period, Meissen had to confront the question as to whether or not it should remain a manufactory, where everything was made by hand and every piece would remain unique with no two pieces exactly alike, or become a factory, where machines mass produced the large numbers required of a factory. It was not until 1969, when the new Director, Karl Peterman, took the helm and returned the freedom to create to the designers, that the original course of Meissen as manufactory again reigned. Once again, Meissen was able to preserve the old traditions, and maintain the high standards of its workers and artists. In 1960 Professor Heinz Werner (porcelain designer and pattern painter), Ludwig Zepner (designer and modeler), and Peter Strang (sculpturer) became founding members of Meissen\'s new Artistic Development group. Professor Werner\'s best known creations are \Arabian Nights,\ shown in the March, 2005 edition of Elle, and \Blue Orchid.\ Ludwig Zepner designed two new table services \Grosse Ausschnitt\ and \Grosse Ausschnitt Relief\ the most successful Meissen services of the second half of the 20th century. Peter Strang opened a new chapter in the history of Meissen sculpture. His work dominates contemporary Meissen sculpture. Much of Strang\'s work is based on the theater and on circus figures-his clown musicians are loved the world over. Sabine Wachs arrived at Meissen in 1986, and, between1993-1996, created the newest Meissen tableware. This service, called \Waves\ and \Waves Relief,\ is shown in many patterns, one as beautiful as the next. In 2000, Meissen visited L. V. Harkness & Company in Lexington, Kentucky. They became enchanted with the Bluegrass region, its legends and its stories, and not long after their visit, created a new pattern, called \Bluegrass\ on the Waves form. This they dedicated to L. V. Harkness to commemorate their visit. It is understandable that we are very proud of such an incredible honor. L.V. Harkness is also proud to have Meissen create \Jockey Birds\ in honor of Kentucky\'s rich racing heritage. a very unique gift from the rolling hills of Kentucky. Meissen continues to be one of the finest porcelain manufactories in the world today, and we urge you to view Meissen on our website.
Meissen Waves Relief Dinner Plate (61172)
$101
Meissen Waves Relief Salad/Dessert Plate The history of porcelain manufacturing in Europe begins in Meissen, Germany near Dresden, the cradle of European porcelain. Apart from the short-lived production of the Medici factory in Florence in the 1560\'s, Meissen was the first successful producer of hard-paste porcelain - or true porcelain - in Europe. Meissen\'s products, and those of its imitators, who came later, destroyed the supremacy of the oriental porcelain that had held a virtual monopoly in the world since Marco Polo opened the china trade in 1295. In the 17th and 18th centuries porcelain was viewed as a great luxury in Europe. Court society longed for everything rare, which porcelain was. It became the fashion for northern European rulers to install a porcelain room where every inch was covered by porcelain. Just as in our time, the ownership of such precious things demonstrated wealth, luxury, and culture. Before Meissen discovered how to produce it, porcelain was being imported from China by the East Indian Company (thus, the term chinaware). The European countries\' desire for porcelain was so great it was causing them troubling trade gaps. To arrest this disastrous outflow of monies, European rulers were frantically trying to find out how to make this chinaware themselves. Nowhere was this search more intense than in Saxony in eastern Germany. Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (who reigned from about 1693 to 1733), was obsessed with a passion for porcelain. He had heard of a young alchemist, Johann Frederick Bottger, who had worked for Frederick I of Prussia, having boasted that he could turn base metal into gold. Proving unsuccessful in this process, Bottger fled Berlin to Saxony (he was only about 20 years old at this time), where he was immediately imprisoned by Augustus. Augustus felt if Bottger could produce gold, he could also produce porcelain-or \white gold\ as it was called then. In 1709, aided by the discovery of deposits of Kaolin (china clay) nearby, Bottger informed Augustus that he had discovered the arcanum-the secret ingredients of porcelain. In 1710 Augustus decreed the founding of his manufactory and transferred Bottger and his helpers to the royal summer palace in Meissen. Augustus continued to hold them prisoners in the palace in order to protect the Arcanum. Meissen was able to protect this secret for years before workmen escaped with their knowledge of porcelain making, and wholesale copying of Meissen across the western world began. Bottger died in 1719, and a year later Johann Gregorius Horoldt began work at Meissen, which he took to a whole new level when he invented and manufactured many brilliant Meissen paint colors, as well as introducing many of the decorations typical of Meissen. In 1730, influenced greatly by the East Indian wares, Meissen created its first Red Dragon pattern. Augustus commissioned the first complete dinner service for his court dining room, thus giving this pattern its name of \court dragon\. This pattern remained in the sole preserve of the Saxon royal family until 1918, when the first world war ended Saxon royalty. By 1739, under Horoldt\'s direction, the mastering of cobalt blue underglaze color was such that the blue-white decorations (such as Blue Onion) could be manufactured. In 1730, Horoldt was joined by a 24 year old court sculptor, Johann Joachim Kaendler. Augustus, impressed by his work, had ordered Kaendler to join the Meissen manufactory. Augustus proved himself to have a good eye, for J.J. Kandler turned out to be, perhaps, the greatest porcelain modeler of all time. One of his greatest works, the Swan Service, was commissioned by the Saxon Prime Minister, Heinrich Count Von Bruhl, and was produced between 1735 and 1741. It consisted of over 2000 pieces, and was the most extensive service ever made. Many of these pieces will never be produced again, as the occupying forces used the moulds for target practice during the Second World War. Nevertheless, Meissen continues to create a number of these extraordinary pieces today. Meissen is as famous for its figurines as for its table services. The members of the royal court used figurines for table decorations, much as people do today. Kaendler\'s talent is known to every connoisseur of porcelain today. In 1734, Kaendler produced the now famous pug dog. These dogs happened to be Prime Minister Count Bruhl\'s favorite dogs, and Kaendler captured their charm with great skill. Indeed, centuries later, the Duchess of Windsor collected these pieces. Kaendler also created the Italian Comedy, composed of a wide variety of humorous, sad and sympathetic characters. The most frequently depicted and most endearing character is Harlequin. The poses in which Kaendler imagined this one character alone would suffice to establish his greatness as a modeler. In 1753 Kaendler created 21 charmingly amusing Monkey Musicians, which composed the famous Monkey Orchestra. The story is that Kaendler modeled them after members of the Saxon court, though this cannot be documented. As every piece of Meissen is handpainted by Meissen artisans, each monkey has its own unique touch. The monkey band is one of the most famous of the Meissen figurine collections, and is extremely popular among today\'s collectors. Kaendler and Hoeroldt both died in 1775, a great loss for the manufactory and the world, but Meissen\'s creativity continued. In 1814 Heinrich Gootlob Kuehn became the managing director, and, three years after his arrival, developed the color chromium-oxide green, resulting in the much loved \Vine Leaves\ pattern being produced. Ten years later, in 1827, Kuehn developed the bright gold, which we take so much for granted today. Fast forward to1889, when Julius Conrad Hentschel began attending Meissen drawing school. His enormous talent did not go unnoticed, and by 1897, after much training, Hentschel became a Meissen designer. Hentschel designed during the Art Nouveau period, and this movement influenced the sculptor in the production of his most famous work, \Hentschel\'s Children,\ fourteen porcelain children created between1904 - 1907. Hentschel captured the changing attitude toward children in the early 1900s. Children were no longer viewed as little adults, but rather as individuals in their own right. Figures of children became more true to life. Cuteness was replaced by everyday childhood realities. Hentschel died quite unexpectedly in 1907, leaving behind his detailed, loving observations of children\'s activities. The Second World War and its aftermath were difficult years for Meissen. Molds were destroyed and pieces were broken or disappeared. Meissen was instructed to produce wares representing the new meaning of life in a socialist society. This proved nearly impossible for the Meissen manufactory, as designers attempted to conform to these orders, and no one was interested in the objects created under such restrictions. During this period, Meissen had to confront the question as to whether or not it should remain a manufactory, where everything was made by hand and every piece would remain unique with no two pieces exactly alike, or become a factory, where machines mass produced the large numbers required of a factory. It was not until 1969, when the new Director, Karl Peterman, took the helm and returned the freedom to create to the designers, that the original course of Meissen as manufactory again reigned. Once again, Meissen was able to preserve the old traditions, and maintain the high standards of its workers and artists. In 1960 Professor Heinz Werner (porcelain designer and pattern painter), Ludwig Zepner (designer and modeler), and Peter Strang (sculpturer) became founding members of Meissen\'s new Artistic Development group. Professor Werner\'s best known creations are \Arabian Nights,\ shown in the March, 2005 edition of Elle, and \Blue Orchid.\ Ludwig Zepner designed two new table services \Grosse Ausschnitt\ and \Grosse Ausschnitt Relief\ the most successful Meissen services of the second half of the 20th century. Peter Strang opened a new chapter in the history of Meissen sculpture. His work dominates contemporary Meissen sculpture. Much of Strang\'s work is based on the theater and on circus figures-his clown musicians are loved the world over. Sabine Wachs arrived at Meissen in 1986, and, between1993-1996, created the newest Meissen tableware. This service, called \Waves\ and \Waves Relief,\ is shown in many patterns, one as beautiful as the next. In 2000, Meissen visited L. V. Harkness & Company in Lexington, Kentucky. They became enchanted with the Bluegrass region, its legends and its stories, and not long after their visit, created a new pattern, called \Bluegrass\ on the Waves form. This they dedicated to L. V. Harkness to commemorate their visit. It is understandable that we are very proud of such an incredible honor. L.V. Harkness is also proud to have Meissen create \Jockey Birds\ in honor of Kentucky\'s rich racing heritage. a very unique gift from the rolling hills of Kentucky. Meissen continues to be one of the finest porcelain manufactories in the world today, and we urge you to view Meissen on our website.
Meissen Waves Relief Salad/Dessert Plate (61227)
$65
Meissen Waves Relief Bread And Butter Plate The history of porcelain manufacturing in Europe begins in Meissen, Germany near Dresden, the cradle of European porcelain. Apart from the short-lived production of the Medici factory in Florence in the 1560\'s, Meissen was the first successful producer of hard-paste porcelain - or true porcelain - in Europe. Meissen\'s products, and those of its imitators, who came later, destroyed the supremacy of the oriental porcelain that had held a virtual monopoly in the world since Marco Polo opened the china trade in 1295. In the 17th and 18th centuries porcelain was viewed as a great luxury in Europe. Court society longed for everything rare, which porcelain was. It became the fashion for northern European rulers to install a porcelain room where every inch was covered by porcelain. Just as in our time, the ownership of such precious things demonstrated wealth, luxury, and culture. Before Meissen discovered how to produce it, porcelain was being imported from China by the East Indian Company (thus, the term chinaware). The European countries\' desire for porcelain was so great it was causing them troubling trade gaps. To arrest this disastrous outflow of monies, European rulers were frantically trying to find out how to make this chinaware themselves. Nowhere was this search more intense than in Saxony in eastern Germany. Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (who reigned from about 1693 to 1733), was obsessed with a passion for porcelain. He had heard of a young alchemist, Johann Frederick Bottger, who had worked for Frederick I of Prussia, having boasted that he could turn base metal into gold. Proving unsuccessful in this process, Bottger fled Berlin to Saxony (he was only about 20 years old at this time), where he was immediately imprisoned by Augustus. Augustus felt if Bottger could produce gold, he could also produce porcelain-or \white gold\ as it was called then. In 1709, aided by the discovery of deposits of Kaolin (china clay) nearby, Bottger informed Augustus that he had discovered the arcanum-the secret ingredients of porcelain. In 1710 Augustus decreed the founding of his manufactory and transferred Bottger and his helpers to the royal summer palace in Meissen. Augustus continued to hold them prisoners in the palace in order to protect the Arcanum. Meissen was able to protect this secret for years before workmen escaped with their knowledge of porcelain making, and wholesale copying of Meissen across the western world began. Bottger died in 1719, and a year later Johann Gregorius Horoldt began work at Meissen, which he took to a whole new level when he invented and manufactured many brilliant Meissen paint colors, as well as introducing many of the decorations typical of Meissen. In 1730, influenced greatly by the East Indian wares, Meissen created its first Red Dragon pattern. Augustus commissioned the first complete dinner service for his court dining room, thus giving this pattern its name of \court dragon\. This pattern remained in the sole preserve of the Saxon royal family until 1918, when the first world war ended Saxon royalty. By 1739, under Horoldt\'s direction, the mastering of cobalt blue underglaze color was such that the blue-white decorations (such as Blue Onion) could be manufactured. In 1730, Horoldt was joined by a 24 year old court sculptor, Johann Joachim Kaendler. Augustus, impressed by his work, had ordered Kaendler to join the Meissen manufactory. Augustus proved himself to have a good eye, for J.J. Kandler turned out to be, perhaps, the greatest porcelain modeler of all time. One of his greatest works, the Swan Service, was commissioned by the Saxon Prime Minister, Heinrich Count Von Bruhl, and was produced between 1735 and 1741. It consisted of over 2000 pieces, and was the most extensive service ever made. Many of these pieces will never be produced again, as the occupying forces used the moulds for target practice during the Second World War. Nevertheless, Meissen continues to create a number of these extraordinary pieces today. Meissen is as famous for its figurines as for its table services. The members of the royal court used figurines for table decorations, much as people do today. Kaendler\'s talent is known to every connoisseur of porcelain today. In 1734, Kaendler produced the now famous pug dog. These dogs happened to be Prime Minister Count Bruhl\'s favorite dogs, and Kaendler captured their charm with great skill. Indeed, centuries later, the Duchess of Windsor collected these pieces. Kaendler also created the Italian Comedy, composed of a wide variety of humorous, sad and sympathetic characters. The most frequently depicted and most endearing character is Harlequin. The poses in which Kaendler imagined this one character alone would suffice to establish his greatness as a modeler. In 1753 Kaendler created 21 charmingly amusing Monkey Musicians, which composed the famous Monkey Orchestra. The story is that Kaendler modeled them after members of the Saxon court, though this cannot be documented. As every piece of Meissen is handpainted by Meissen artisans, each monkey has its own unique touch. The monkey band is one of the most famous of the Meissen figurine collections, and is extremely popular among today\'s collectors. Kaendler and Hoeroldt both died in 1775, a great loss for the manufactory and the world, but Meissen\'s creativity continued. In 1814 Heinrich Gootlob Kuehn became the managing director, and, three years after his arrival, developed the color chromium-oxide green, resulting in the much loved \Vine Leaves\ pattern being produced. Ten years later, in 1827, Kuehn developed the bright gold, which we take so much for granted today. Fast forward to1889, when Julius Conrad Hentschel began attending Meissen drawing school. His enormous talent did not go unnoticed, and by 1897, after much training, Hentschel became a Meissen designer. Hentschel designed during the Art Nouveau period, and this movement influenced the sculptor in the production of his most famous work, \Hentschel\'s Children,\ fourteen porcelain children created between1904 - 1907. Hentschel captured the changing attitude toward children in the early 1900s. Children were no longer viewed as little adults, but rather as individuals in their own right. Figures of children became more true to life. Cuteness was replaced by everyday childhood realities. Hentschel died quite unexpectedly in 1907, leaving behind his detailed, loving observations of children\'s activities. The Second World War and its aftermath were difficult years for Meissen. Molds were destroyed and pieces were broken or disappeared. Meissen was instructed to produce wares representing the new meaning of life in a socialist society. This proved nearly impossible for the Meissen manufactory, as designers attempted to conform to these orders, and no one was interested in the objects created under such restrictions. During this period, Meissen had to confront the question as to whether or not it should remain a manufactory, where everything was made by hand and every piece would remain unique with no two pieces exactly alike, or become a factory, where machines mass produced the large numbers required of a factory. It was not until 1969, when the new Director, Karl Peterman, took the helm and returned the freedom to create to the designers, that the original course of Meissen as manufactory again reigned. Once again, Meissen was able to preserve the old traditions, and maintain the high standards of its workers and artists. In 1960 Professor Heinz Werner (porcelain designer and pattern painter), Ludwig Zepner (designer and modeler), and Peter Strang (sculpturer) became founding members of Meissen\'s new Artistic Development group. Professor Werner\'s best known creations are \Arabian Nights,\ shown in the March, 2005 edition of Elle, and \Blue Orchid.\ Ludwig Zepner designed two new table services \Grosse Ausschnitt\ and \Grosse Ausschnitt Relief\ the most successful Meissen services of the second half of the 20th century. Peter Strang opened a new chapter in the history of Meissen sculpture. His work dominates contemporary Meissen sculpture. Much of Strang\'s work is based on the theater and on circus figures-his clown musicians are loved the world over. Sabine Wachs arrived at Meissen in 1986, and, between1993-1996, created the newest Meissen tableware. This service, called \Waves\ and \Waves Relief,\ is shown in many patterns, one as beautiful as the next. In 2000, Meissen visited L. V. Harkness & Company in Lexington, Kentucky. They became enchanted with the Bluegrass region, its legends and its stories, and not long after their visit, created a new pattern, called \Bluegrass\ on the Waves form. This they dedicated to L. V. Harkness to commemorate their visit. It is understandable that we are very proud of such an incredible honor. L.V. Harkness is also proud to have Meissen create \Jockey Birds\ in honor of Kentucky\'s rich racing heritage. a very unique gift from the rolling hills of Kentucky. Meissen continues to be one of the finest porcelain manufactories in the world today, and we urge you to view Meissen on our website.
Meissen Waves Relief Bread And Butter Plate (61226)
$47
Meissen Waves Relief Breakfast Cup And Saucer The history of porcelain manufacturing in Europe begins in Meissen, Germany near Dresden, the cradle of European porcelain. Apart from the short-lived production of the Medici factory in Florence in the 1560\'s, Meissen was the first successful producer of hard-paste porcelain - or true porcelain - in Europe. Meissen\'s products, and those of its imitators, who came later, destroyed the supremacy of the oriental porcelain that had held a virtual monopoly in the world since Marco Polo opened the china trade in 1295. In the 17th and 18th centuries porcelain was viewed as a great luxury in Europe. Court society longed for everything rare, which porcelain was. It became the fashion for northern European rulers to install a porcelain room where every inch was covered by porcelain. Just as in our time, the ownership of such precious things demonstrated wealth, luxury, and culture. Before Meissen discovered how to produce it, porcelain was being imported from China by the East Indian Company (thus, the term chinaware). The European countries\' desire for porcelain was so great it was causing them troubling trade gaps. To arrest this disastrous outflow of monies, European rulers were frantically trying to find out how to make this chinaware themselves. Nowhere was this search more intense than in Saxony in eastern Germany. Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (who reigned from about 1693 to 1733), was obsessed with a passion for porcelain. He had heard of a young alchemist, Johann Frederick Bottger, who had worked for Frederick I of Prussia, having boasted that he could turn base metal into gold. Proving unsuccessful in this process, Bottger fled Berlin to Saxony (he was only about 20 years old at this time), where he was immediately imprisoned by Augustus. Augustus felt if Bottger could produce gold, he could also produce porcelain-or \white gold\ as it was called then. In 1709, aided by the discovery of deposits of Kaolin (china clay) nearby, Bottger informed Augustus that he had discovered the arcanum-the secret ingredients of porcelain. In 1710 Augustus decreed the founding of his manufactory and transferred Bottger and his helpers to the royal summer palace in Meissen. Augustus continued to hold them prisoners in the palace in order to protect the Arcanum. Meissen was able to protect this secret for years before workmen escaped with their knowledge of porcelain making, and wholesale copying of Meissen across the western world began. Bottger died in 1719, and a year later Johann Gregorius Horoldt began work at Meissen, which he took to a whole new level when he invented and manufactured many brilliant Meissen paint colors, as well as introducing many of the decorations typical of Meissen. In 1730, influenced greatly by the East Indian wares, Meissen created its first Red Dragon pattern. Augustus commissioned the first complete dinner service for his court dining room, thus giving this pattern its name of \court dragon\. This pattern remained in the sole preserve of the Saxon royal family until 1918, when the first world war ended Saxon royalty. By 1739, under Horoldt\'s direction, the mastering of cobalt blue underglaze color was such that the blue-white decorations (such as Blue Onion) could be manufactured. In 1730, Horoldt was joined by a 24 year old court sculptor, Johann Joachim Kaendler. Augustus, impressed by his work, had ordered Kaendler to join the Meissen manufactory. Augustus proved himself to have a good eye, for J.J. Kandler turned out to be, perhaps, the greatest porcelain modeler of all time. One of his greatest works, the Swan Service, was commissioned by the Saxon Prime Minister, Heinrich Count Von Bruhl, and was produced between 1735 and 1741. It consisted of over 2000 pieces, and was the most extensive service ever made. Many of these pieces will never be produced again, as the occupying forces used the moulds for target practice during the Second World War. Nevertheless, Meissen continues to create a number of these extraordinary pieces today. Meissen is as famous for its figurines as for its table services. The members of the royal court used figurines for table decorations, much as people do today. Kaendler\'s talent is known to every connoisseur of porcelain today. In 1734, Kaendler produced the now famous pug dog. These dogs happened to be Prime Minister Count Bruhl\'s favorite dogs, and Kaendler captured their charm with great skill. Indeed, centuries later, the Duchess of Windsor collected these pieces. Kaendler also created the Italian Comedy, composed of a wide variety of humorous, sad and sympathetic characters. The most frequently depicted and most endearing character is Harlequin. The poses in which Kaendler imagined this one character alone would suffice to establish his greatness as a modeler. In 1753 Kaendler created 21 charmingly amusing Monkey Musicians, which composed the famous Monkey Orchestra. The story is that Kaendler modeled them after members of the Saxon court, though this cannot be documented. As every piece of Meissen is handpainted by Meissen artisans, each monkey has its own unique touch. The monkey band is one of the most famous of the Meissen figurine collections, and is extremely popular among today\'s collectors. Kaendler and Hoeroldt both died in 1775, a great loss for the manufactory and the world, but Meissen\'s creativity continued. In 1814 Heinrich Gootlob Kuehn became the managing director, and, three years after his arrival, developed the color chromium-oxide green, resulting in the much loved \Vine Leaves\ pattern being produced. Ten years later, in 1827, Kuehn developed the bright gold, which we take so much for granted today. Fast forward to1889, when Julius Conrad Hentschel began attending Meissen drawing school. His enormous talent did not go unnoticed, and by 1897, after much training, Hentschel became a Meissen designer. Hentschel designed during the Art Nouveau period, and this movement influenced the sculptor in the production of his most famous work, \Hentschel\'s Children,\ fourteen porcelain children created between1904 - 1907. Hentschel captured the changing attitude toward children in the early 1900s. Children were no longer viewed as little adults, but rather as individuals in their own right. Figures of children became more true to life. Cuteness was replaced by everyday childhood realities. Hentschel died quite unexpectedly in 1907, leaving behind his detailed, loving observations of children\'s activities. The Second World War and its aftermath were difficult years for Meissen. Molds were destroyed and pieces were broken or disappeared. Meissen was instructed to produce wares representing the new meaning of life in a socialist society. This proved nearly impossible for the Meissen manufactory, as designers attempted to conform to these orders, and no one was interested in the objects created under such restrictions. During this period, Meissen had to confront the question as to whether or not it should remain a manufactory, where everything was made by hand and every piece would remain unique with no two pieces exactly alike, or become a factory, where machines mass produced the large numbers required of a factory. It was not until 1969, when the new Director, Karl Peterman, took the helm and returned the freedom to create to the designers, that the original course of Meissen as manufactory again reigned. Once again, Meissen was able to preserve the old traditions, and maintain the high standards of its workers and artists. In 1960 Professor Heinz Werner (porcelain designer and pattern painter), Ludwig Zepner (designer and modeler), and Peter Strang (sculpturer) became founding members of Meissen\'s new Artistic Development group. Professor Werner\'s best known creations are \Arabian Nights,\ shown in the March, 2005 edition of Elle, and \Blue Orchid.\ Ludwig Zepner designed two new table services \Grosse Ausschnitt\ and \Grosse Ausschnitt Relief\ the most successful Meissen services of the second half of the 20th century. Peter Strang opened a new chapter in the history of Meissen sculpture. His work dominates contemporary Meissen sculpture. Much of Strang\'s work is based on the theater and on circus figures-his clown musicians are loved the world over. Sabine Wachs arrived at Meissen in 1986, and, between1993-1996, created the newest Meissen tableware. This service, called \Waves\ and \Waves Relief,\ is shown in many patterns, one as beautiful as the next. In 2000, Meissen visited L. V. Harkness & Company in Lexington, Kentucky. They became enchanted with the Bluegrass region, its legends and its stories, and not long after their visit, created a new pattern, called \Bluegrass\ on the Waves form. This they dedicated to L. V. Harkness to commemorate their visit. It is understandable that we are very proud of such an incredible honor. L.V. Harkness is also proud to have Meissen create \Jockey Birds\ in honor of Kentucky\'s rich racing heritage. a very unique gift from the rolling hills of Kentucky. Meissen continues to be one of the finest porcelain manufactories in the world today, and we urge you to view Meissen on our website.
Meissen Waves Relief Breakfast Cup And Saucer (61236)
$114
Meissen Waves Relief Soup/cereal/dessert Bowl The history of porcelain manufacturing in Europe begins in Meissen, Germany near Dresden, the cradle of European porcelain. Apart from the short-lived production of the Medici factory in Florence in the 1560\'s, Meissen was the first successful producer of hard-paste porcelain - or true porcelain - in Europe. Meissen\'s products, and those of its imitators, who came later, destroyed the supremacy of the oriental porcelain that had held a virtual monopoly in the world since Marco Polo opened the china trade in 1295. In the 17th and 18th centuries porcelain was viewed as a great luxury in Europe. Court society longed for everything rare, which porcelain was. It became the fashion for northern European rulers to install a porcelain room where every inch was covered by porcelain. Just as in our time, the ownership of such precious things demonstrated wealth, luxury, and culture. Before Meissen discovered how to produce it, porcelain was being imported from China by the East Indian Company (thus, the term chinaware). The European countries\' desire for porcelain was so great it was causing them troubling trade gaps. To arrest this disastrous outflow of monies, European rulers were frantically trying to find out how to make this chinaware themselves. Nowhere was this search more intense than in Saxony in eastern Germany. Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (who reigned from about 1693 to 1733), was obsessed with a passion for porcelain. He had heard of a young alchemist, Johann Frederick Bottger, who had worked for Frederick I of Prussia, having boasted that he could turn base metal into gold. Proving unsuccessful in this process, Bottger fled Berlin to Saxony (he was only about 20 years old at this time), where he was immediately imprisoned by Augustus. Augustus felt if Bottger could produce gold, he could also produce porcelain-or \white gold\ as it was called then. In 1709, aided by the discovery of deposits of Kaolin (china clay) nearby, Bottger informed Augustus that he had discovered the arcanum-the secret ingredients of porcelain. In 1710 Augustus decreed the founding of his manufactory and transferred Bottger and his helpers to the royal summer palace in Meissen. Augustus continued to hold them prisoners in the palace in order to protect the Arcanum. Meissen was able to protect this secret for years before workmen escaped with their knowledge of porcelain making, and wholesale copying of Meissen across the western world began. Bottger died in 1719, and a year later Johann Gregorius Horoldt began work at Meissen, which he took to a whole new level when he invented and manufactured many brilliant Meissen paint colors, as well as introducing many of the decorations typical of Meissen. In 1730, influenced greatly by the East Indian wares, Meissen created its first Red Dragon pattern. Augustus commissioned the first complete dinner service for his court dining room, thus giving this pattern its name of \court dragon\. This pattern remained in the sole preserve of the Saxon royal family until 1918, when the first world war ended Saxon royalty. By 1739, under Horoldt\'s direction, the mastering of cobalt blue underglaze color was such that the blue-white decorations (such as Blue Onion) could be manufactured. In 1730, Horoldt was joined by a 24 year old court sculptor, Johann Joachim Kaendler. Augustus, impressed by his work, had ordered Kaendler to join the Meissen manufactory. Augustus proved himself to have a good eye, for J.J. Kandler turned out to be, perhaps, the greatest porcelain modeler of all time. One of his greatest works, the Swan Service, was commissioned by the Saxon Prime Minister, Heinrich Count Von Bruhl, and was produced between 1735 and 1741. It consisted of over 2000 pieces, and was the most extensive service ever made. Many of these pieces will never be produced again, as the occupying forces used the moulds for target practice during the Second World War. Nevertheless, Meissen continues to create a number of these extraordinary pieces today. Meissen is as famous for its figurines as for its table services. The members of the royal court used figurines for table decorations, much as people do today. Kaendler\'s talent is known to every connoisseur of porcelain today. In 1734, Kaendler produced the now famous pug dog. These dogs happened to be Prime Minister Count Bruhl\'s favorite dogs, and Kaendler captured their charm with great skill. Indeed, centuries later, the Duchess of Windsor collected these pieces. Kaendler also created the Italian Comedy, composed of a wide variety of humorous, sad and sympathetic characters. The most frequently depicted and most endearing character is Harlequin. The poses in which Kaendler imagined this one character alone would suffice to establish his greatness as a modeler. In 1753 Kaendler created 21 charmingly amusing Monkey Musicians, which composed the famous Monkey Orchestra. The story is that Kaendler modeled them after members of the Saxon court, though this cannot be documented. As every piece of Meissen is handpainted by Meissen artisans, each monkey has its own unique touch. The monkey band is one of the most famous of the Meissen figurine collections, and is extremely popular among today\'s collectors. Kaendler and Hoeroldt both died in 1775, a great loss for the manufactory and the world, but Meissen\'s creativity continued. In 1814 Heinrich Gootlob Kuehn became the managing director, and, three years after his arrival, developed the color chromium-oxide green, resulting in the much loved \Vine Leaves\ pattern being produced. Ten years later, in 1827, Kuehn developed the bright gold, which we take so much for granted today. Fast forward to1889, when Julius Conrad Hentschel began attending Meissen drawing school. His enormous talent did not go unnoticed, and by 1897, after much training, Hentschel became a Meissen designer. Hentschel designed during the Art Nouveau period, and this movement influenced the sculptor in the production of his most famous work, \Hentschel\'s Children,\ fourteen porcelain children created between1904 - 1907. Hentschel captured the changing attitude toward children in the early 1900s. Children were no longer viewed as little adults, but rather as individuals in their own right. Figures of children became more true to life. Cuteness was replaced by everyday childhood realities. Hentschel died quite unexpectedly in 1907, leaving behind his detailed, loving observations of children\'s activities. The Second World War and its aftermath were difficult years for Meissen. Molds were destroyed and pieces were broken or disappeared. Meissen was instructed to produce wares representing the new meaning of life in a socialist society. This proved nearly impossible for the Meissen manufactory, as designers attempted to conform to these orders, and no one was interested in the objects created under such restrictions. During this period, Meissen had to confront the question as to whether or not it should remain a manufactory, where everything was made by hand and every piece would remain unique with no two pieces exactly alike, or become a factory, where machines mass produced the large numbers required of a factory. It was not until 1969, when the new Director, Karl Peterman, took the helm and returned the freedom to create to the designers, that the original course of Meissen as manufactory again reigned. Once again, Meissen was able to preserve the old traditions, and maintain the high standards of its workers and artists. In 1960 Professor Heinz Werner (porcelain designer and pattern painter), Ludwig Zepner (designer and modeler), and Peter Strang (sculpturer) became founding members of Meissen\'s new Artistic Development group. Professor Werner\'s best known creations are \Arabian Nights,\ shown in the March, 2005 edition of Elle, and \Blue Orchid.\ Ludwig Zepner designed two new table services \Grosse Ausschnitt\ and \Grosse Ausschnitt Relief\ the most successful Meissen services of the second half of the 20th century. Peter Strang opened a new chapter in the history of Meissen sculpture. His work dominates contemporary Meissen sculpture. Much of Strang\'s work is based on the theater and on circus figures-his clown musicians are loved the world over. Sabine Wachs arrived at Meissen in 1986, and, between1993-1996, created the newest Meissen tableware. This service, called \Waves\ and \Waves Relief,\ is shown in many patterns, one as beautiful as the next. In 2000, Meissen visited L. V. Harkness & Company in Lexington, Kentucky. They became enchanted with the Bluegrass region, its legends and its stories, and not long after their visit, created a new pattern, called \Bluegrass\ on the Waves form. This they dedicated to L. V. Harkness to commemorate their visit. It is understandable that we are very proud of such an incredible honor. L.V. Harkness is also proud to have Meissen create \Jockey Birds\ in honor of Kentucky\'s rich racing heritage. a very unique gift from the rolling hills of Kentucky. Meissen continues to be one of the finest porcelain manufactories in the world today, and we urge you to view Meissen on our website.
Meissen Waves Relief Soup/cereal/dessert Bowl (61223)
$47
Meissen Waves Relief Coffee Cup and Saucer The history of porcelain manufacturing in Europe begins in Meissen, Germany near Dresden, the cradle of European porcelain. Apart from the short-lived production of the Medici factory in Florence in the 1560\'s, Meissen was the first successful producer of hard-paste porcelain - or true porcelain - in Europe. Meissen\'s products, and those of its imitators, who came later, destroyed the supremacy of the oriental porcelain that had held a virtual monopoly in the world since Marco Polo opened the china trade in 1295. In the 17th and 18th centuries porcelain was viewed as a great luxury in Europe. Court society longed for everything rare, which porcelain was. It became the fashion for northern European rulers to install a porcelain room where every inch was covered by porcelain. Just as in our time, the ownership of such precious things demonstrated wealth, luxury, and culture. Before Meissen discovered how to produce it, porcelain was being imported from China by the East Indian Company (thus, the term chinaware). The European countries\' desire for porcelain was so great it was causing them troubling trade gaps. To arrest this disastrous outflow of monies, European rulers were frantically trying to find out how to make this chinaware themselves. Nowhere was this search more intense than in Saxony in eastern Germany. Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (who reigned from about 1693 to 1733), was obsessed with a passion for porcelain. He had heard of a young alchemist, Johann Frederick Bottger, who had worked for Frederick I of Prussia, having boasted that he could turn base metal into gold. Proving unsuccessful in this process, Bottger fled Berlin to Saxony (he was only about 20 years old at this time), where he was immediately imprisoned by Augustus. Augustus felt if Bottger could produce gold, he could also produce porcelain-or \white gold\ as it was called then. In 1709, aided by the discovery of deposits of Kaolin (china clay) nearby, Bottger informed Augustus that he had discovered the arcanum-the secret ingredients of porcelain. In 1710 Augustus decreed the founding of his manufactory and transferred Bottger and his helpers to the royal summer palace in Meissen. Augustus continued to hold them prisoners in the palace in order to protect the Arcanum. Meissen was able to protect this secret for years before workmen escaped with their knowledge of porcelain making, and wholesale copying of Meissen across the western world began. Bottger died in 1719, and a year later Johann Gregorius Horoldt began work at Meissen, which he took to a whole new level when he invented and manufactured many brilliant Meissen paint colors, as well as introducing many of the decorations typical of Meissen. In 1730, influenced greatly by the East Indian wares, Meissen created its first Red Dragon pattern. Augustus commissioned the first complete dinner service for his court dining room, thus giving this pattern its name of \court dragon\. This pattern remained in the sole preserve of the Saxon royal family until 1918, when the first world war ended Saxon royalty. By 1739, under Horoldt\'s direction, the mastering of cobalt blue underglaze color was such that the blue-white decorations (such as Blue Onion) could be manufactured. In 1730, Horoldt was joined by a 24 year old court sculptor, Johann Joachim Kaendler. Augustus, impressed by his work, had ordered Kaendler to join the Meissen manufactory. Augustus proved himself to have a good eye, for J.J. Kandler turned out to be, perhaps, the greatest porcelain modeler of all time. One of his greatest works, the Swan Service, was commissioned by the Saxon Prime Minister, Heinrich Count Von Bruhl, and was produced between 1735 and 1741. It consisted of over 2000 pieces, and was the most extensive service ever made. Many of these pieces will never be produced again, as the occupying forces used the moulds for target practice during the Second World War. Nevertheless, Meissen continues to create a number of these extraordinary pieces today. Meissen is as famous for its figurines as for its table services. The members of the royal court used figurines for table decorations, much as people do today. Kaendler\'s talent is known to every connoisseur of porcelain today. In 1734, Kaendler produced the now famous pug dog. These dogs happened to be Prime Minister Count Bruhl\'s favorite dogs, and Kaendler captured their charm with great skill. Indeed, centuries later, the Duchess of Windsor collected these pieces. Kaendler also created the Italian Comedy, composed of a wide variety of humorous, sad and sympathetic characters. The most frequently depicted and most endearing character is Harlequin. The poses in which Kaendler imagined this one character alone would suffice to establish his greatness as a modeler. In 1753 Kaendler created 21 charmingly amusing Monkey Musicians, which composed the famous Monkey Orchestra. The story is that Kaendler modeled them after members of the Saxon court, though this cannot be documented. As every piece of Meissen is handpainted by Meissen artisans, each monkey has its own unique touch. The monkey band is one of the most famous of the Meissen figurine collections, and is extremely popular among today\'s collectors. Kaendler and Hoeroldt both died in 1775, a great loss for the manufactory and the world, but Meissen\'s creativity continued. In 1814 Heinrich Gootlob Kuehn became the managing director, and, three years after his arrival, developed the color chromium-oxide green, resulting in the much loved \Vine Leaves\ pattern being produced. Ten years later, in 1827, Kuehn developed the bright gold, which we take so much for granted today. Fast forward to1889, when Julius Conrad Hentschel began attending Meissen drawing school. His enormous talent did not go unnoticed, and by 1897, after much training, Hentschel became a Meissen designer. Hentschel designed during the Art Nouveau period, and this movement influenced the sculptor in the production of his most famous work, \Hentschel\'s Children,\ fourteen porcelain children created between1904 - 1907. Hentschel captured the changing attitude toward children in the early 1900s. Children were no longer viewed as little adults, but rather as individuals in their own right. Figures of children became more true to life. Cuteness was replaced by everyday childhood realities. Hentschel died quite unexpectedly in 1907, leaving behind his detailed, loving observations of children\'s activities. The Second World War and its aftermath were difficult years for Meissen. Molds were destroyed and pieces were broken or disappeared. Meissen was instructed to produce wares representing the new meaning of life in a socialist society. This proved nearly impossible for the Meissen manufactory, as designers attempted to conform to these orders, and no one was interested in the objects created under such restrictions. During this period, Meissen had to confront the question as to whether or not it should remain a manufactory, where everything was made by hand and every piece would remain unique with no two pieces exactly alike, or become a factory, where machines mass produced the large numbers required of a factory. It was not until 1969, when the new Director, Karl Peterman, took the helm and returned the freedom to create to the designers, that the original course of Meissen as manufactory again reigned. Once again, Meissen was able to preserve the old traditions, and maintain the high standards of its workers and artists. In 1960 Professor Heinz Werner (porcelain designer and pattern painter), Ludwig Zepner (designer and modeler), and Peter Strang (sculpturer) became founding members of Meissen\'s new Artistic Development group. Professor Werner\'s best known creations are \Arabian Nights,\ shown in the March, 2005 edition of Elle, and \Blue Orchid.\ Ludwig Zepner designed two new table services \Grosse Ausschnitt\ and \Grosse Ausschnitt Relief\ the most successful Meissen services of the second half of the 20th century. Peter Strang opened a new chapter in the history of Meissen sculpture. His work dominates contemporary Meissen sculpture. Much of Strang\'s work is based on the theater and on circus figures-his clown musicians are loved the world over. Sabine Wachs arrived at Meissen in 1986, and, between1993-1996, created the newest Meissen tableware. This service, called \Waves\ and \Waves Relief,\ is shown in many patterns, one as beautiful as the next. In 2000, Meissen visited L. V. Harkness & Company in Lexington, Kentucky. They became enchanted with the Bluegrass region, its legends and its stories, and not long after their visit, created a new pattern, called \Bluegrass\ on the Waves form. This they dedicated to L. V. Harkness to commemorate their visit. It is understandable that we are very proud of such an incredible honor. L.V. Harkness is also proud to have Meissen create \Jockey Birds\ in honor of Kentucky\'s rich racing heritage. a very unique gift from the rolling hills of Kentucky. Meissen continues to be one of the finest porcelain manufactories in the world today, and we urge you to view Meissen on our website.
Meissen Waves Relief Coffee Cup and Saucer (61235)
$101
Meissen Waves Relief Rim Soup Plate The history of porcelain manufacturing in Europe begins in Meissen, Germany near Dresden, the cradle of European porcelain. Apart from the short-lived production of the Medici factory in Florence in the 1560\'s, Meissen was the first successful producer of hard-paste porcelain - or true porcelain - in Europe. Meissen\'s products, and those of its imitators, who came later, destroyed the supremacy of the oriental porcelain that had held a virtual monopoly in the world since Marco Polo opened the china trade in 1295. In the 17th and 18th centuries porcelain was viewed as a great luxury in Europe. Court society longed for everything rare, which porcelain was. It became the fashion for northern European rulers to install a porcelain room where every inch was covered by porcelain. Just as in our time, the ownership of such precious things demonstrated wealth, luxury, and culture. Before Meissen discovered how to produce it, porcelain was being imported from China by the East Indian Company (thus, the term chinaware). The European countries\' desire for porcelain was so great it was causing them troubling trade gaps. To arrest this disastrous outflow of monies, European rulers were frantically trying to find out how to make this chinaware themselves. Nowhere was this search more intense than in Saxony in eastern Germany. Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (who reigned from about 1693 to 1733), was obsessed with a passion for porcelain. He had heard of a young alchemist, Johann Frederick Bottger, who had worked for Frederick I of Prussia, having boasted that he could turn base metal into gold. Proving unsuccessful in this process, Bottger fled Berlin to Saxony (he was only about 20 years old at this time), where he was immediately imprisoned by Augustus. Augustus felt if Bottger could produce gold, he could also produce porcelain-or \white gold\ as it was called then. In 1709, aided by the discovery of deposits of Kaolin (china clay) nearby, Bottger informed Augustus that he had discovered the arcanum-the secret ingredients of porcelain. In 1710 Augustus decreed the founding of his manufactory and transferred Bottger and his helpers to the royal summer palace in Meissen. Augustus continued to hold them prisoners in the palace in order to protect the Arcanum. Meissen was able to protect this secret for years before workmen escaped with their knowledge of porcelain making, and wholesale copying of Meissen across the western world began. Bottger died in 1719, and a year later Johann Gregorius Horoldt began work at Meissen, which he took to a whole new level when he invented and manufactured many brilliant Meissen paint colors, as well as introducing many of the decorations typical of Meissen. In 1730, influenced greatly by the East Indian wares, Meissen created its first Red Dragon pattern. Augustus commissioned the first complete dinner service for his court dining room, thus giving this pattern its name of \court dragon\. This pattern remained in the sole preserve of the Saxon royal family until 1918, when the first world war ended Saxon royalty. By 1739, under Horoldt\'s direction, the mastering of cobalt blue underglaze color was such that the blue-white decorations (such as Blue Onion) could be manufactured. In 1730, Horoldt was joined by a 24 year old court sculptor, Johann Joachim Kaendler. Augustus, impressed by his work, had ordered Kaendler to join the Meissen manufactory. Augustus proved himself to have a good eye, for J.J. Kandler turned out to be, perhaps, the greatest porcelain modeler of all time. One of his greatest works, the Swan Service, was commissioned by the Saxon Prime Minister, Heinrich Count Von Bruhl, and was produced between 1735 and 1741. It consisted of over 2000 pieces, and was the most extensive service ever made. Many of these pieces will never be produced again, as the occupying forces used the moulds for target practice during the Second World War. Nevertheless, Meissen continues to create a number of these extraordinary pieces today. Meissen is as famous for its figurines as for its table services. The members of the royal court used figurines for table decorations, much as people do today. Kaendler\'s talent is known to every connoisseur of porcelain today. In 1734, Kaendler produced the now famous pug dog. These dogs happened to be Prime Minister Count Bruhl\'s favorite dogs, and Kaendler captured their charm with great skill. Indeed, centuries later, the Duchess of Windsor collected these pieces. Kaendler also created the Italian Comedy, composed of a wide variety of humorous, sad and sympathetic characters. The most frequently depicted and most endearing character is Harlequin. The poses in which Kaendler imagined this one character alone would suffice to establish his greatness as a modeler. In 1753 Kaendler created 21 charmingly amusing Monkey Musicians, which composed the famous Monkey Orchestra. The story is that Kaendler modeled them after members of the Saxon court, though this cannot be documented. As every piece of Meissen is handpainted by Meissen artisans, each monkey has its own unique touch. The monkey band is one of the most famous of the Meissen figurine collections, and is extremely popular among today\'s collectors. Kaendler and Hoeroldt both died in 1775, a great loss for the manufactory and the world, but Meissen\'s creativity continued. In 1814 Heinrich Gootlob Kuehn became the managing director, and, three years after his arrival, developed the color chromium-oxide green, resulting in the much loved \Vine Leaves\ pattern being produced. Ten years later, in 1827, Kuehn developed the bright gold, which we take so much for granted today. Fast forward to1889, when Julius Conrad Hentschel began attending Meissen drawing school. His enormous talent did not go unnoticed, and by 1897, after much training, Hentschel became a Meissen designer. Hentschel designed during the Art Nouveau period, and this movement influenced the sculptor in the production of his most famous work, \Hentschel\'s Children,\ fourteen porcelain children created between1904 - 1907. Hentschel captured the changing attitude toward children in the early 1900s. Children were no longer viewed as little adults, but rather as individuals in their own right. Figures of children became more true to life. Cuteness was replaced by everyday childhood realities. Hentschel died quite unexpectedly in 1907, leaving behind his detailed, loving observations of children\'s activities. The Second World War and its aftermath were difficult years for Meissen. Molds were destroyed and pieces were broken or disappeared. Meissen was instructed to produce wares representing the new meaning of life in a socialist society. This proved nearly impossible for the Meissen manufactory, as designers attempted to conform to these orders, and no one was interested in the objects created under such restrictions. During this period, Meissen had to confront the question as to whether or not it should remain a manufactory, where everything was made by hand and every piece would remain unique with no two pieces exactly alike, or become a factory, where machines mass produced the large numbers required of a factory. It was not until 1969, when the new Director, Karl Peterman, took the helm and returned the freedom to create to the designers, that the original course of Meissen as manufactory again reigned. Once again, Meissen was able to preserve the old traditions, and maintain the high standards of its workers and artists. In 1960 Professor Heinz Werner (porcelain designer and pattern painter), Ludwig Zepner (designer and modeler), and Peter Strang (sculpturer) became founding members of Meissen\'s new Artistic Development group. Professor Werner\'s best known creations are \Arabian Nights,\ shown in the March, 2005 edition of Elle, and \Blue Orchid.\ Ludwig Zepner designed two new table services \Grosse Ausschnitt\ and \Grosse Ausschnitt Relief\ the most successful Meissen services of the second half of the 20th century. Peter Strang opened a new chapter in the history of Meissen sculpture. His work dominates contemporary Meissen sculpture. Much of Strang\'s work is based on the theater and on circus figures-his clown musicians are loved the world over. Sabine Wachs arrived at Meissen in 1986, and, between1993-1996, created the newest Meissen tableware. This service, called \Waves\ and \Waves Relief,\ is shown in many patterns, one as beautiful as the next. In 2000, Meissen visited L. V. Harkness & Company in Lexington, Kentucky. They became enchanted with the Bluegrass region, its legends and its stories, and not long after their visit, created a new pattern, called \Bluegrass\ on the Waves form. This they dedicated to L. V. Harkness to commemorate their visit. It is understandable that we are very proud of such an incredible honor. L.V. Harkness is also proud to have Meissen create \Jockey Birds\ in honor of Kentucky\'s rich racing heritage. a very unique gift from the rolling hills of Kentucky. Meissen continues to be one of the finest porcelain manufactories in the world today, and we urge you to view Meissen on our website.
Meissen Waves Relief Rim Soup Plate (61230)
$93
Meissen Waves Relief Coffee Pot The history of porcelain manufacturing in Europe begins in Meissen, Germany near Dresden, the cradle of European porcelain. Apart from the short-lived production of the Medici factory in Florence in the 1560\'s, Meissen was the first successful producer of hard-paste porcelain - or true porcelain - in Europe. Meissen\'s products, and those of its imitators, who came later, destroyed the supremacy of the oriental porcelain that had held a virtual monopoly in the world since Marco Polo opened the china trade in 1295. In the 17th and 18th centuries porcelain was viewed as a great luxury in Europe. Court society longed for everything rare, which porcelain was. It became the fashion for northern European rulers to install a porcelain room where every inch was covered by porcelain. Just as in our time, the ownership of such precious things demonstrated wealth, luxury, and culture. Before Meissen discovered how to produce it, porcelain was being imported from China by the East Indian Company (thus, the term chinaware). The European countries\' desire for porcelain was so great it was causing them troubling trade gaps. To arrest this disastrous outflow of monies, European rulers were frantically trying to find out how to make this chinaware themselves. Nowhere was this search more intense than in Saxony in eastern Germany. Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (who reigned from about 1693 to 1733), was obsessed with a passion for porcelain. He had heard of a young alchemist, Johann Frederick Bottger, who had worked for Frederick I of Prussia, having boasted that he could turn base metal into gold. Proving unsuccessful in this process, Bottger fled Berlin to Saxony (he was only about 20 years old at this time), where he was immediately imprisoned by Augustus. Augustus felt if Bottger could produce gold, he could also produce porcelain-or \white gold\ as it was called then. In 1709, aided by the discovery of deposits of Kaolin (china clay) nearby, Bottger informed Augustus that he had discovered the arcanum-the secret ingredients of porcelain. In 1710 Augustus decreed the founding of his manufactory and transferred Bottger and his helpers to the royal summer palace in Meissen. Augustus continued to hold them prisoners in the palace in order to protect the Arcanum. Meissen was able to protect this secret for years before workmen escaped with their knowledge of porcelain making, and wholesale copying of Meissen across the western world began. Bottger died in 1719, and a year later Johann Gregorius Horoldt began work at Meissen, which he took to a whole new level when he invented and manufactured many brilliant Meissen paint colors, as well as introducing many of the decorations typical of Meissen. In 1730, influenced greatly by the East Indian wares, Meissen created its first Red Dragon pattern. Augustus commissioned the first complete dinner service for his court dining room, thus giving this pattern its name of \court dragon\. This pattern remained in the sole preserve of the Saxon royal family until 1918, when the first world war ended Saxon royalty. By 1739, under Horoldt\'s direction, the mastering of cobalt blue underglaze color was such that the blue-white decorations (such as Blue Onion) could be manufactured. In 1730, Horoldt was joined by a 24 year old court sculptor, Johann Joachim Kaendler. Augustus, impressed by his work, had ordered Kaendler to join the Meissen manufactory. Augustus proved himself to have a good eye, for J.J. Kandler turned out to be, perhaps, the greatest porcelain modeler of all time. One of his greatest works, the Swan Service, was commissioned by the Saxon Prime Minister, Heinrich Count Von Bruhl, and was produced between 1735 and 1741. It consisted of over 2000 pieces, and was the most extensive service ever made. Many of these pieces will never be produced again, as the occupying forces used the moulds for target practice during the Second World War. Nevertheless, Meissen continues to create a number of these extraordinary pieces today. Meissen is as famous for its figurines as for its table services. The members of the royal court used figurines for table decorations, much as people do today. Kaendler\'s talent is known to every connoisseur of porcelain today. In 1734, Kaendler produced the now famous pug dog. These dogs happened to be Prime Minister Count Bruhl\'s favorite dogs, and Kaendler captured their charm with great skill. Indeed, centuries later, the Duchess of Windsor collected these pieces. Kaendler also created the Italian Comedy, composed of a wide variety of humorous, sad and sympathetic characters. The most frequently depicted and most endearing character is Harlequin. The poses in which Kaendler imagined this one character alone would suffice to establish his greatness as a modeler. In 1753 Kaendler created 21 charmingly amusing Monkey Musicians, which composed the famous Monkey Orchestra. The story is that Kaendler modeled them after members of the Saxon court, though this cannot be documented. As every piece of Meissen is handpainted by Meissen artisans, each monkey has its own unique touch. The monkey band is one of the most famous of the Meissen figurine collections, and is extremely popular among today\'s collectors. Kaendler and Hoeroldt both died in 1775, a great loss for the manufactory and the world, but Meissen\'s creativity continued. In 1814 Heinrich Gootlob Kuehn became the managing director, and, three years after his arrival, developed the color chromium-oxide green, resulting in the much loved \Vine Leaves\ pattern being produced. Ten years later, in 1827, Kuehn developed the bright gold, which we take so much for granted today. Fast forward to1889, when Julius Conrad Hentschel began attending Meissen drawing school. His enormous talent did not go unnoticed, and by 1897, after much training, Hentschel became a Meissen designer. Hentschel designed during the Art Nouveau period, and this movement influenced the sculptor in the production of his most famous work, \Hentschel\'s Children,\ fourteen porcelain children created between1904 - 1907. Hentschel captured the changing attitude toward children in the early 1900s. Children were no longer viewed as little adults, but rather as individuals in their own right. Figures of children became more true to life. Cuteness was replaced by everyday childhood realities. Hentschel died quite unexpectedly in 1907, leaving behind his detailed, loving observations of children\'s activities. The Second World War and its aftermath were difficult years for Meissen. Molds were destroyed and pieces were broken or disappeared. Meissen was instructed to produce wares representing the new meaning of life in a socialist society. This proved nearly impossible for the Meissen manufactory, as designers attempted to conform to these orders, and no one was interested in the objects created under such restrictions. During this period, Meissen had to confront the question as to whether or not it should remain a manufactory, where everything was made by hand and every piece would remain unique with no two pieces exactly alike, or become a factory, where machines mass produced the large numbers required of a factory. It was not until 1969, when the new Director, Karl Peterman, took the helm and returned the freedom to create to the designers, that the original course of Meissen as manufactory again reigned. Once again, Meissen was able to preserve the old traditions, and maintain the high standards of its workers and artists. In 1960 Professor Heinz Werner (porcelain designer and pattern painter), Ludwig Zepner (designer and modeler), and Peter Strang (sculpturer) became founding members of Meissen\'s new Artistic Development group. Professor Werner\'s best known creations are \Arabian Nights,\ shown in the March, 2005 edition of Elle, and \Blue Orchid.\ Ludwig Zepner designed two new table services \Grosse Ausschnitt\ and \Grosse Ausschnitt Relief\ the most successful Meissen services of the second half of the 20th century. Peter Strang opened a new chapter in the history of Meissen sculpture. His work dominates contemporary Meissen sculpture. Much of Strang\'s work is based on the theater and on circus figures-his clown musicians are loved the world over. Sabine Wachs arrived at Meissen in 1986, and, between1993-1996, created the newest Meissen tableware. This service, called \Waves\ and \Waves Relief,\ is shown in many patterns, one as beautiful as the next. In 2000, Meissen visited L. V. Harkness & Company in Lexington, Kentucky. They became enchanted with the Bluegrass region, its legends and its stories, and not long after their visit, created a new pattern, called \Bluegrass\ on the Waves form. This they dedicated to L. V. Harkness to commemorate their visit. It is understandable that we are very proud of such an incredible honor. L.V. Harkness is also proud to have Meissen create \Jockey Birds\ in honor of Kentucky\'s rich racing heritage. a very unique gift from the rolling hills of Kentucky. Meissen continues to be one of the finest porcelain manufactories in the world today, and we urge you to view Meissen on our website.
Meissen Waves Relief Coffee Pot (61239)
$329
Meissen Waves Relief Creamer The history of porcelain manufacturing in Europe begins in Meissen, Germany near Dresden, the cradle of European porcelain. Apart from the short-lived production of the Medici factory in Florence in the 1560\'s, Meissen was the first successful producer of hard-paste porcelain - or true porcelain - in Europe. Meissen\'s products, and those of its imitators, who came later, destroyed the supremacy of the oriental porcelain that had held a virtual monopoly in the world since Marco Polo opened the china trade in 1295. In the 17th and 18th centuries porcelain was viewed as a great luxury in Europe. Court society longed for everything rare, which porcelain was. It became the fashion for northern European rulers to install a porcelain room where every inch was covered by porcelain. Just as in our time, the ownership of such precious things demonstrated wealth, luxury, and culture. Before Meissen discovered how to produce it, porcelain was being imported from China by the East Indian Company (thus, the term chinaware). The European countries\' desire for porcelain was so great it was causing them troubling trade gaps. To arrest this disastrous outflow of monies, European rulers were frantically trying to find out how to make this chinaware themselves. Nowhere was this search more intense than in Saxony in eastern Germany. Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (who reigned from about 1693 to 1733), was obsessed with a passion for porcelain. He had heard of a young alchemist, Johann Frederick Bottger, who had worked for Frederick I of Prussia, having boasted that he could turn base metal into gold. Proving unsuccessful in this process, Bottger fled Berlin to Saxony (he was only about 20 years old at this time), where he was immediately imprisoned by Augustus. Augustus felt if Bottger could produce gold, he could also produce porcelain-or \white gold\ as it was called then. In 1709, aided by the discovery of deposits of Kaolin (china clay) nearby, Bottger informed Augustus that he had discovered the arcanum-the secret ingredients of porcelain. In 1710 Augustus decreed the founding of his manufactory and transferred Bottger and his helpers to the royal summer palace in Meissen. Augustus continued to hold them prisoners in the palace in order to protect the Arcanum. Meissen was able to protect this secret for years before workmen escaped with their knowledge of porcelain making, and wholesale copying of Meissen across the western world began. Bottger died in 1719, and a year later Johann Gregorius Horoldt began work at Meissen, which he took to a whole new level when he invented and manufactured many brilliant Meissen paint colors, as well as introducing many of the decorations typical of Meissen. In 1730, influenced greatly by the East Indian wares, Meissen created its first Red Dragon pattern. Augustus commissioned the first complete dinner service for his court dining room, thus giving this pattern its name of \court dragon\. This pattern remained in the sole preserve of the Saxon royal family until 1918, when the first world war ended Saxon royalty. By 1739, under Horoldt\'s direction, the mastering of cobalt blue underglaze color was such that the blue-white decorations (such as Blue Onion) could be manufactured. In 1730, Horoldt was joined by a 24 year old court sculptor, Johann Joachim Kaendler. Augustus, impressed by his work, had ordered Kaendler to join the Meissen manufactory. Augustus proved himself to have a good eye, for J.J. Kandler turned out to be, perhaps, the greatest porcelain modeler of all time. One of his greatest works, the Swan Service, was commissioned by the Saxon Prime Minister, Heinrich Count Von Bruhl, and was produced between 1735 and 1741. It consisted of over 2000 pieces, and was the most extensive service ever made. Many of these pieces will never be produced again, as the occupying forces used the moulds for target practice during the Second World War. Nevertheless, Meissen continues to create a number of these extraordinary pieces today. Meissen is as famous for its figurines as for its table services. The members of the royal court used figurines for table decorations, much as people do today. Kaendler\'s talent is known to every connoisseur of porcelain today. In 1734, Kaendler produced the now famous pug dog. These dogs happened to be Prime Minister Count Bruhl\'s favorite dogs, and Kaendler captured their charm with great skill. Indeed, centuries later, the Duchess of Windsor collected these pieces. Kaendler also created the Italian Comedy, composed of a wide variety of humorous, sad and sympathetic characters. The most frequently depicted and most endearing character is Harlequin. The poses in which Kaendler imagined this one character alone would suffice to establish his greatness as a modeler. In 1753 Kaendler created 21 charmingly amusing Monkey Musicians, which composed the famous Monkey Orchestra. The story is that Kaendler modeled them after members of the Saxon court, though this cannot be documented. As every piece of Meissen is handpainted by Meissen artisans, each monkey has its own unique touch. The monkey band is one of the most famous of the Meissen figurine collections, and is extremely popular among today\'s collectors. Kaendler and Hoeroldt both died in 1775, a great loss for the manufactory and the world, but Meissen\'s creativity continued. In 1814 Heinrich Gootlob Kuehn became the managing director, and, three years after his arrival, developed the color chromium-oxide green, resulting in the much loved \Vine Leaves\ pattern being produced. Ten years later, in 1827, Kuehn developed the bright gold, which we take so much for granted today. Fast forward to1889, when Julius Conrad Hentschel began attending Meissen drawing school. His enormous talent did not go unnoticed, and by 1897, after much training, Hentschel became a Meissen designer. Hentschel designed during the Art Nouveau period, and this movement influenced the sculptor in the production of his most famous work, \Hentschel\'s Children,\ fourteen porcelain children created between1904 - 1907. Hentschel captured the changing attitude toward children in the early 1900s. Children were no longer viewed as little adults, but rather as individuals in their own right. Figures of children became more true to life. Cuteness was replaced by everyday childhood realities. Hentschel died quite unexpectedly in 1907, leaving behind his detailed, loving observations of children\'s activities. The Second World War and its aftermath were difficult years for Meissen. Molds were destroyed and pieces were broken or disappeared. Meissen was instructed to produce wares representing the new meaning of life in a socialist society. This proved nearly impossible for the Meissen manufactory, as designers attempted to conform to these orders, and no one was interested in the objects created under such restrictions. During this period, Meissen had to confront the question as to whether or not it should remain a manufactory, where everything was made by hand and every piece would remain unique with no two pieces exactly alike, or become a factory, where machines mass produced the large numbers required of a factory. It was not until 1969, when the new Director, Karl Peterman, took the helm and returned the freedom to create to the designers, that the original course of Meissen as manufactory again reigned. Once again, Meissen was able to preserve the old traditions, and maintain the high standards of its workers and artists. In 1960 Professor Heinz Werner (porcelain designer and pattern painter), Ludwig Zepner (designer and modeler), and Peter Strang (sculpturer) became founding members of Meissen\'s new Artistic Development group. Professor Werner\'s best known creations are \Arabian Nights,\ shown in the March, 2005 edition of Elle, and \Blue Orchid.\ Ludwig Zepner designed two new table services \Grosse Ausschnitt\ and \Grosse Ausschnitt Relief\ the most successful Meissen services of the second half of the 20th century. Peter Strang opened a new chapter in the history of Meissen sculpture. His work dominates contemporary Meissen sculpture. Much of Strang\'s work is based on the theater and on circus figures-his clown musicians are loved the world over. Sabine Wachs arrived at Meissen in 1986, and, between1993-1996, created the newest Meissen tableware. This service, called \Waves\ and \Waves Relief,\ is shown in many patterns, one as beautiful as the next. In 2000, Meissen visited L. V. Harkness & Company in Lexington, Kentucky. They became enchanted with the Bluegrass region, its legends and its stories, and not long after their visit, created a new pattern, called \Bluegrass\ on the Waves form. This they dedicated to L. V. Harkness to commemorate their visit. It is understandable that we are very proud of such an incredible honor. L.V. Harkness is also proud to have Meissen create \Jockey Birds\ in honor of Kentucky\'s rich racing heritage. a very unique gift from the rolling hills of Kentucky. Meissen continues to be one of the finest porcelain manufactories in the world today, and we urge you to view Meissen on our website.
Meissen Waves Relief Creamer (61242)
$81
Meissen Waves Relief Covered Sugar The history of porcelain manufacturing in Europe begins in Meissen, Germany near Dresden, the cradle of European porcelain. Apart from the short-lived production of the Medici factory in Florence in the 1560\'s, Meissen was the first successful producer of hard-paste porcelain - or true porcelain - in Europe. Meissen\'s products, and those of its imitators, who came later, destroyed the supremacy of the oriental porcelain that had held a virtual monopoly in the world since Marco Polo opened the china trade in 1295. In the 17th and 18th centuries porcelain was viewed as a great luxury in Europe. Court society longed for everything rare, which porcelain was. It became the fashion for northern European rulers to install a porcelain room where every inch was covered by porcelain. Just as in our time, the ownership of such precious things demonstrated wealth, luxury, and culture. Before Meissen discovered how to produce it, porcelain was being imported from China by the East Indian Company (thus, the term chinaware). The European countries\' desire for porcelain was so great it was causing them troubling trade gaps. To arrest this disastrous outflow of monies, European rulers were frantically trying to find out how to make this chinaware themselves. Nowhere was this search more intense than in Saxony in eastern Germany. Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (who reigned from about 1693 to 1733), was obsessed with a passion for porcelain. He had heard of a young alchemist, Johann Frederick Bottger, who had worked for Frederick I of Prussia, having boasted that he could turn base metal into gold. Proving unsuccessful in this process, Bottger fled Berlin to Saxony (he was only about 20 years old at this time), where he was immediately imprisoned by Augustus. Augustus felt if Bottger could produce gold, he could also produce porcelain-or \white gold\ as it was called then. In 1709, aided by the discovery of deposits of Kaolin (china clay) nearby, Bottger informed Augustus that he had discovered the arcanum-the secret ingredients of porcelain. In 1710 Augustus decreed the founding of his manufactory and transferred Bottger and his helpers to the royal summer palace in Meissen. Augustus continued to hold them prisoners in the palace in order to protect the Arcanum. Meissen was able to protect this secret for years before workmen escaped with their knowledge of porcelain making, and wholesale copying of Meissen across the western world began. Bottger died in 1719, and a year later Johann Gregorius Horoldt began work at Meissen, which he took to a whole new level when he invented and manufactured many brilliant Meissen paint colors, as well as introducing many of the decorations typical of Meissen. In 1730, influenced greatly by the East Indian wares, Meissen created its first Red Dragon pattern. Augustus commissioned the first complete dinner service for his court dining room, thus giving this pattern its name of \court dragon\. This pattern remained in the sole preserve of the Saxon royal family until 1918, when the first world war ended Saxon royalty. By 1739, under Horoldt\'s direction, the mastering of cobalt blue underglaze color was such that the blue-white decorations (such as Blue Onion) could be manufactured. In 1730, Horoldt was joined by a 24 year old court sculptor, Johann Joachim Kaendler. Augustus, impressed by his work, had ordered Kaendler to join the Meissen manufactory. Augustus proved himself to have a good eye, for J.J. Kandler turned out to be, perhaps, the greatest porcelain modeler of all time. One of his greatest works, the Swan Service, was commissioned by the Saxon Prime Minister, Heinrich Count Von Bruhl, and was produced between 1735 and 1741. It consisted of over 2000 pieces, and was the most extensive service ever made. Many of these pieces will never be produced again, as the occupying forces used the moulds for target practice during the Second World War. Nevertheless, Meissen continues to create a number of these extraordinary pieces today. Meissen is as famous for its figurines as for its table services. The members of the royal court used figurines for table decorations, much as people do today. Kaendler\'s talent is known to every connoisseur of porcelain today. In 1734, Kaendler produced the now famous pug dog. These dogs happened to be Prime Minister Count Bruhl\'s favorite dogs, and Kaendler captured their charm with great skill. Indeed, centuries later, the Duchess of Windsor collected these pieces. Kaendler also created the Italian Comedy, composed of a wide variety of humorous, sad and sympathetic characters. The most frequently depicted and most endearing character is Harlequin. The poses in which Kaendler imagined this one character alone would suffice to establish his greatness as a modeler. In 1753 Kaendler created 21 charmingly amusing Monkey Musicians, which composed the famous Monkey Orchestra. The story is that Kaendler modeled them after members of the Saxon court, though this cannot be documented. As every piece of Meissen is handpainted by Meissen artisans, each monkey has its own unique touch. The monkey band is one of the most famous of the Meissen figurine collections, and is extremely popular among today\'s collectors. Kaendler and Hoeroldt both died in 1775, a great loss for the manufactory and the world, but Meissen\'s creativity continued. In 1814 Heinrich Gootlob Kuehn became the managing director, and, three years after his arrival, developed the color chromium-oxide green, resulting in the much loved \Vine Leaves\ pattern being produced. Ten years later, in 1827, Kuehn developed the bright gold, which we take so much for granted today. Fast forward to1889, when Julius Conrad Hentschel began attending Meissen drawing school. His enormous talent did not go unnoticed, and by 1897, after much training, Hentschel became a Meissen designer. Hentschel designed during the Art Nouveau period, and this movement influenced the sculptor in the production of his most famous work, \Hentschel\'s Children,\ fourteen porcelain children created between1904 - 1907. Hentschel captured the changing attitude toward children in the early 1900s. Children were no longer viewed as little adults, but rather as individuals in their own right. Figures of children became more true to life. Cuteness was replaced by everyday childhood realities. Hentschel died quite unexpectedly in 1907, leaving behind his detailed, loving observations of children\'s activities. The Second World War and its aftermath were difficult years for Meissen. Molds were destroyed and pieces were broken or disappeared. Meissen was instructed to produce wares representing the new meaning of life in a socialist society. This proved nearly impossible for the Meissen manufactory, as designers attempted to conform to these orders, and no one was interested in the objects created under such restrictions. During this period, Meissen had to confront the question as to whether or not it should remain a manufactory, where everything was made by hand and every piece would remain unique with no two pieces exactly alike, or become a factory, where machines mass produced the large numbers required of a factory. It was not until 1969, when the new Director, Karl Peterman, took the helm and returned the freedom to create to the designers, that the original course of Meissen as manufactory again reigned. Once again, Meissen was able to preserve the old traditions, and maintain the high standards of its workers and artists. In 1960 Professor Heinz Werner (porcelain designer and pattern painter), Ludwig Zepner (designer and modeler), and Peter Strang (sculpturer) became founding members of Meissen\'s new Artistic Development group. Professor Werner\'s best known creations are \Arabian Nights,\ shown in the March, 2005 edition of Elle, and \Blue Orchid.\ Ludwig Zepner designed two new table services \Grosse Ausschnitt\ and \Grosse Ausschnitt Relief\ the most successful Meissen services of the second half of the 20th century. Peter Strang opened a new chapter in the history of Meissen sculpture. His work dominates contemporary Meissen sculpture. Much of Strang\'s work is based on the theater and on circus figures-his clown musicians are loved the world over. Sabine Wachs arrived at Meissen in 1986, and, between1993-1996, created the newest Meissen tableware. This service, called \Waves\ and \Waves Relief,\ is shown in many patterns, one as beautiful as the next. In 2000, Meissen visited L. V. Harkness & Company in Lexington, Kentucky. They became enchanted with the Bluegrass region, its legends and its stories, and not long after their visit, created a new pattern, called \Bluegrass\ on the Waves form. This they dedicated to L. V. Harkness to commemorate their visit. It is understandable that we are very proud of such an incredible honor. L.V. Harkness is also proud to have Meissen create \Jockey Birds\ in honor of Kentucky\'s rich racing heritage. a very unique gift from the rolling hills of Kentucky. Meissen continues to be one of the finest porcelain manufactories in the world today, and we urge you to view Meissen on our website.
Meissen Waves Relief Covered Sugar (61243)
$136
Meissen Waves Relief Tureen The history of porcelain manufacturing in Europe begins in Meissen, Germany near Dresden, the cradle of European porcelain. Apart from the short-lived production of the Medici factory in Florence in the 1560\'s, Meissen was the first successful producer of hard-paste porcelain - or true porcelain - in Europe. Meissen\'s products, and those of its imitators, who came later, destroyed the supremacy of the oriental porcelain that had held a virtual monopoly in the world since Marco Polo opened the china trade in 1295. In the 17th and 18th centuries porcelain was viewed as a great luxury in Europe. Court society longed for everything rare, which porcelain was. It became the fashion for northern European rulers to install a porcelain room where every inch was covered by porcelain. Just as in our time, the ownership of such precious things demonstrated wealth, luxury, and culture. Before Meissen discovered how to produce it, porcelain was being imported from China by the East Indian Company (thus, the term chinaware). The European countries\' desire for porcelain was so great it was causing them troubling trade gaps. To arrest this disastrous outflow of monies, European rulers were frantically trying to find out how to make this chinaware themselves. Nowhere was this search more intense than in Saxony in eastern Germany. Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland (who reigned from about 1693 to 1733), was obsessed with a passion for porcelain. He had heard of a young alchemist, Johann Frederick Bottger, who had worked for Frederick I of Prussia, having boasted that he could turn base metal into gold. Proving unsuccessful in this process, Bottger fled Berlin to Saxony (he was only about 20 years old at this time), where he was immediately imprisoned by Augustus. Augustus felt if Bottger could produce gold, he could also produce porcelain-or \white gold\ as it was called then. In 1709, aided by the discovery of deposits of Kaolin (china clay) nearby, Bottger informed Augustus that he had discovered the arcanum-the secret ingredients of porcelain. In 1710 Augustus decreed the founding of his manufactory and transferred Bottger and his helpers to the royal summer palace in Meissen. Augustus continued to hold them prisoners in the palace in order to protect the Arcanum. Meissen was able to protect this secret for years before workmen escaped with their knowledge of porcelain making, and wholesale copying of Meissen across the western world began. Bottger died in 1719, and a year later Johann Gregorius Horoldt began work at Meissen, which he took to a whole new level when he invented and manufactured many brilliant Meissen paint colors, as well as introducing many of the decorations typical of Meissen. In 1730, influenced greatly by the East Indian wares, Meissen created its first Red Dragon pattern. Augustus commissioned the first complete dinner service for his court dining room, thus giving this pattern its name of \court dragon\. This pattern remained in the sole preserve of the Saxon royal family until 1918, when the first world war ended Saxon royalty. By 1739, under Horoldt\'s direction, the mastering of cobalt blue underglaze color was such that the blue-white decorations (such as Blue Onion) could be manufactured. In 1730, Horoldt was joined by a 24 year old court sculptor, Johann Joachim Kaendler. Augustus, impressed by his work, had ordered Kaendler to join the Meissen manufactory. Augustus proved himself to have a good eye, for J.J. Kandler turned out to be, perhaps, the greatest porcelain modeler of all time. One of his greatest works, the Swan Service, was commissioned by the Saxon Prime Minister, Heinrich Count Von Bruhl, and was produced between 1735 and 1741. It consisted of over 2000 pieces, and was the most extensive service ever made. Many of these pieces will never be produced again, as the occupying forces used the moulds for target practice during the Second World War. Nevertheless, Meissen continues to create a number of these extraordinary pieces today. Meissen is as famous for its figurines as for its table services. The members of the royal court used figurines for table decorations, much as people do today. Kaendler\'s talent is known to every connoisseur of porcelain today. In 1734, Kaendler produced the now famous pug dog. These dogs happened to be Prime Minister Count Bruhl\'s favorite dogs, and Kaendler captured their charm with great skill. Indeed, centuries later, the Duchess of Windsor collected these pieces. Kaendler also created the Italian Comedy, composed of a wide variety of humorous, sad and sympathetic characters. The most frequently depicted and most endearing character is Harlequin. The poses in which Kaendler imagined this one character alone would suffice to establish his greatness as a modeler. In 1753 Kaendler created 21 charmingly amusing Monkey Musicians, which composed the famous Monkey Orchestra. The story is that Kaendler modeled them after members of the Saxon court, though this cannot be documented. As every piece of Meissen is handpainted by Meissen artisans, each monkey has its own unique touch. The monkey band is one of the most famous of the Meissen figurine collections, and is extremely popular among today\'s collectors. Kaendler and Hoeroldt both died in 1775, a great loss for the manufactory and the world, but Meissen\'s creativity continued. In 1814 Heinrich Gootlob Kuehn became the managing director, and, three years after his arrival, developed the color chromium-oxide green, resulting in the much loved \Vine Leaves\ pattern being produced. Ten years later, in 1827, Kuehn developed the bright gold, which we take so much for granted today. Fast forward to1889, when Julius Conrad Hentschel began attending Meissen drawing school. His enormous talent did not go unnoticed, and by 1897, after much training, Hentschel became a Meissen designer. Hentschel designed during the Art Nouveau period, and this movement influenced the sculptor in the production of his most famous work, \Hentschel\'s Children,\ fourteen porcelain children created between1904 - 1907. Hentschel captured the changing attitude toward children in the early 1900s. Children were no longer viewed as little adults, but rather as individuals in their own right. Figures of children became more true to life. Cuteness was replaced by everyday childhood realities. Hentschel died quite unexpectedly in 1907, leaving behind his detailed, loving observations of children\'s activities. The Second World War and its aftermath were difficult years for Meissen. Molds were destroyed and pieces were broken or disappeared. Meissen was instructed to produce wares representing the new meaning of life in a socialist society. This proved nearly impossible for the Meissen manufactory, as designers attempted to conform to these orders, and no one was interested in the objects created under such restrictions. During this period, Meissen had to confront the question as to whether or not it should remain a manufactory, where everything was made by hand and every piece would remain unique with no two pieces exactly alike, or become a factory, where machines mass produced the large numbers required of a factory. It was not until 1969, when the new Director, Karl Peterman, took the helm and returned the freedom to create to the designers, that the original course of Meissen as manufactory again reigned. Once again, Meissen was able to preserve the old traditions, and maintain the high standards of its workers and artists. In 1960 Professor Heinz Werner (porcelain designer and pattern painter), Ludwig Zepner (designer and modeler), and Peter Strang (sculpturer) became founding members of Meissen\'s new Artistic Development group. Professor Werner\'s best known creations are \Arabian Nights,\ shown in the March, 2005 edition of Elle, and \Blue Orchid.\ Ludwig Zepner designed two new table services \Grosse Ausschnitt\ and \Grosse Ausschnitt Relief\ the most successful Meissen services of the second half of the 20th century. Peter Strang opened a new chapter in the history of Meissen sculpture. His work dominates contemporary Meissen sculpture. Much of Strang\'s work is based on the theater and on circus figures-his clown musicians are loved the world over. Sabine Wachs arrived at Meissen in 1986, and, between1993-1996, created the newest Meissen tableware. This service, called \Waves\ and \Waves Relief,\ is shown in many patterns, one as beautiful as the next. In 2000, Meissen visited L. V. Harkness & Company in Lexington, Kentucky. They became enchanted with the Bluegrass region, its legends and its stories, and not long after their visit, created a new pattern, called \Bluegrass\ on the Waves form. This they dedicated to L. V. Harkness to commemorate their visit. It is understandable that we are very proud of such an incredible honor. L.V. Harkness is also proud to have Meissen create \Jockey Birds\ in honor of Kentucky\'s rich racing heritage. a very unique gift from the rolling hills of Kentucky. Meissen continues to be one of the finest porcelain manufactories in the world today, and we urge you to view Meissen on our website.
Meissen Waves Relief Tureen (61222)
$704


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