Book of Meissen

by Robert E. Rontgen

This book traces the history of Meissen porcelain from the "goldmaker" Johann Freidrich Bottger's first tests to the latest design, "Japan Form", for oriental dishes, that was first shown in 1983. Both the most typical and the most beautiful creations of Meissen are shown and described. Special attention is given to the 19th and 20th century products, neglected in most books about Meissen. In thirteen chapters the book describes all facets of the Meissen manufactory: The present state of the manufactory and its latest creations, Bottger's first ceramic invention, the red stoneware and its re-discovery in the 20th century, sculptural Meissen art, the different shapes and forms of tableware, Meissen painting and decorations, and often-neglected little things the manufactory made like medals and coins, lithopanes, tiles, knick-knacks and technical porcelain.