Teabowl and saucer

Manufacturer Meissen (German, founded 1710)

Date1720-1730

OriginGermany

MediumPorcelain

Dimensions1 11/16 × 2 3/4 in. diameter (4.3 × 7 cm) Saucer: 4 13/16 in. diameter (12.2 cm)

ClassificationsDecorative Arts, Ceramics

Credit LineGift of Ann and Henry Brunnier. In the Ann and Henry Brunnier Collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object number2.6.3ab

Status

Not on view

Collections

Decorative Arts

CultureGerman

Label TextEuropean hard-paste porcelain was first developed in Meissen, Germany, in 1708 through the combined efforts of Enrenfried Walter von Tschirnhaus and a somewhat reluctant partner and alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger. In 1707, Tschirnhaus had enlisted the services of Böttger who was virtually a prisoner in the service of Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, for failing to fulfill his promised discovery of the secret of making gold. The partners began making quality porcelain at Meissen around 1714, but with the death of Böttger in 1719, the first great period of Meissen porcelain ended. In 1720, Johann Gregor Höroldt, an enameler from the newly opened Vienna porcelain factory, came to Meissen and the second important period of Meissen porcelain began. During Höroldt’s tenure, many technical problems that had limited the decoration of Böttger’s porcelain were solved. During the next twenty years, colored grounds were introduced and the factory’s decorative themes were increased to include chinoiseries, or Chinese-inspired motifs, as seen on these objects. The decoration is known to be Augsburg work done by Bartholomäus Seuter and his associates. Designs were often adapted from engravings published by Martin Englebrecht in Augsburg.

Locations