Swords
Meissen’s Crossed Swords, the manufactory’s signet, have represented the exceptional quality of Meissen porcelain since 1722. In the “Swords” series, this trademark is reinterpreted to create a unique pattern for the first time in the manufactory’s history. When the Meissen porcelain manufactory was founded by Augustus the Strong in 1710, it remained the only porcelain manufactory in Europe for nearly a decade. Its most important asset was the formula and techniques required for the manufacture of porcelain. To ensure that these secrets remained confidential, only a few employees were each given only one part of the secret that had just been decoded. In 1718, however, after countless other manufactories had been founded across Europe, it became necessary to mark the true Meissen originals. In the first years after the founding of the manufactory, a number of different porcelain markings were already in use, but it was the invention of the blue painting technique and the corresponding development of Meissen’s own ultra-heat resistant cobalt blue under-glaze paint that would make a forgery-proof trademark possible. The “Swords” collection is a creative homage to the historic signet of the Meissen manufactory.
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A tribute to Europe´s oldest trademarkTo this day, the Crosse Swords are applied by hand to every piece of Meissen porcelain in the manufactory’s own cobalt blue by Meissen’s “swordsmen” – painters specialising in the crossed swords. Although the swords have evolved slightly over the years, they have always remained instantly recognizable. These slight changes reflect the manufactory’s 300 years of history and offer clues that allow experts to date historic pieces. In the “Swords” collection, the swords are boldly applied to the purist “N°41” collection.
“Timeless and bold, Meissen’s signet and Europe’s oldest trademark – the Crossed Swords – are applied as a pattern for the first time ever.“
Swords
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Swords Luxury GoldThe Crossed Swords of MEISSEN have been a by-word for top quality and excellent craftsmanship for well-nigh three centuries. For the first time, Europe’s oldest and most renowned trademark is now appearing as a pattern in its own right on Shape N°41. The iconic signet in "Luxury Gold" gives the stylish decor a touch of modern opulence, which is further emphasized by the white radiance of the porcelain. Whether as an individual statement piece or diversely combined - each piece of the "Swords Luxury Gold" collection pays homage to an incomparable brand.
“To this day, Meissen’s trademark is applied by hand to every piece of Meissen porcelain in the manufactory’s own cobalt blue by Meissen’s “swordsmen” – painters specialising in the Crossed Swords.“
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HistoryThe success of the Meissen porcelain manufactory can be traced back to the obsession of Augustus the Strong, who did everything in his power to create his own porcelain. On his orders, research into the techniques to produce the “White Gold” began in Meissen and first became successful in 1708. When the Meissen porcelain manufactory was founded just two years later, it would be the only porcelain manufactory in Europe for nearly a decade. The formulas and techniques for porcelain production were kept secret for several years, but soon a forgery-proof trademark for all Meissen porcelain had to be considered. In 1722 came the decisive motion, when Johann Melchior Steinbrück, the first inspector of the manufactory, suggested the use of the Crossed Swords from the Electorate of Saxony’s coat of arms as a fitting trademark. In 1875, the Crossed Swords were registered as the official Meissen trademark, making it the oldest in Europe. -
Meissen’s Crossed Swords – the trademark of the porcelain manufactory since 1722 – for the first time ever, have now been applied as an independent motif as part of the “Swords” collection. Cups and plates with different pattern variants in radiant gold can be individually combined depending on the table and the occasion, while the modern “N°41” design makes it possible to use a single saucer with three different kinds of cups. All individual pieces of the collection are stackable and dishwasher safe.