|
 Whoever coined the
expression, "what's a pretty plate with nothing on it," clearly never
had the privilege of handling a piece of Dresden china. The term
"Dresden porcelain" refers more to an artistic movement than a
particular line of figurines or dinnerware. Several decorating studios
emerged in this Saxony capital in response to the rise of "Romanticism"
during the 19th century. Dresden was an important center of
this artistic, cultural and intellectual movement, which attracted painters, sculptors, poets, philosophers and porcelain
decorators alike. In 1883, in response to the exciting developments
happening all around them, four prominent ceramic decorators registered
the famous blue crown Dresden mark, and the widely popular "Dresden
style" was born. To view Dresden porcelain marks, click here.
Much confusion exists concerning the
relationship between the names "Dresden" and "Meissen," which are often
used interchangeably. This misunderstanding dates to the earliest
years of porcelain production in Europe. The secret of hard paste
porcelain, previously the exclusive knowledge of the Chinese and
Japanese exporters, was actually discovered under the commission of
Augustus the Strong in the city of Dresden. The first
porcelain-producing factory, however, was begun fifteen miles away in
the city of Meissen, in 1710. However, as Dresden was a vital cultural
and economic center of Saxony, most Meissen china was sold there. As a
result, much Meissen china and
figurines, characterized by the blue
cross-swords stamp, were mistakenly referred to as "Dresden." Modern
day collectors, however, distinguish Meissen from the china produced by
decorators in the city of Dresden beginning in the 19th
century, which generally bear a blue crown stamp or other related
mark. While the work of Dresden decorators often rivaled that produced
in Meissen, no actual porcelain was produced in Dresden. That aspect
of the process, at least, remained the exclusive pride of Meissen
factories.
Dresden china is often described as "rococo revival" style. Rococo
comes from the French word "rocaille" meaning rock work or grotto work,
and refers to the artificial grottoes used in French gardens that were
decorated with irregularly shaped stones and seashells. Originally
popular during the renaissance, rococo experienced a revival during the
19th century, touching virtually all aspects of interior
design. Dresden decorators were the first and most successful to
employ this style on dinnerware, characterized by elaborate fanciful
design and a profusion of foliage, flowers, fruits, shells and scrolls.
Although there were over 200 painting shops in Dresden alone between
1855 and 1944, the Dresden style is typically associated with the blue
crown stamp first registered by
Richard Klemm,
Donath & Co., Oswald
Lorenz, and Adolph Hamann in 1883. The style they employed was a
mixture of Meissen and Vienna flower and figure painting. Later, other
decorators employed the Crown and Dresden mark, and such names as
Franziska Hirsch,
Ambrosius Lamm, Carl Thieme
(vases/urns,
decorative) and
Helena Wolfsohn have
also become synonymous with Dresden china. The works of several of
these decorating studios are represented in the Antique China Porcelain & Collectibles
collection.
Perhaps even more popular than the dinnerware are the lace porcelain
figurines that were produced in Dresden during the same period.
Elaborate figures and "groupings" were made in large quantities, and
are still produced in Germany to this day. The famous "Dresden lace,"
was a method developed by Dresden decorators in which real lace was
dipped in liquid porcelain and then applied to the figures by hand.
The result was a stunningly delicate appearance that was almost
indistinguishable from soft fabric. However, Dresden lace is so
fragile that it can be damaged by even a light touch. The fact that so
many pieces still remain intact in the Antique China Porcelain & Collectibles collection is a
testament both to the value of the work, and the care of those who have
preserved them over several generations.
 The most
famous Dresden figurines are the "crinoline groups," which portray
various aspects of court life, such as dancing or playing musical
instruments, or sometimes amorous scenes. Many of these were produced
under the original Dresden blue crown mark seen on the dinnerware, but
several other manufactures imitating the
Dresden style attained a
degree of artistry that rivaled the original studios. Some of the more
famous include Alka-Kunst Alboth & Kaiser, Ernst Bohne & Sons, the
Irish Dresden company, and
Sitzendorf. Several of these are
represented in the Antique China Porcelain & Collectibles collection.
Unfortunately, much of the work and the history of all
the porcelain produced in Dresden was destroyed during the allied
bombings of World War II. In a single night, most Dresden decorating
studios were obliterated along with many historical documents, and the
porcelain painting business has never fully recovered. However, owing
largely to the vast popularity of the Dresden style, much of it remains
preserved in antique shops and private collections around the world.
At Antique China Porcelain & Collectibles we cherish the pieces in our collection and hope
that their future owners will treasure them for many more generations
to come. |
