Meissen Porcelain Manufactory
Plate (from the Swan Service)

CultureGerman
Titles
  • Plate (from the Swan Service)
Datec. 1737–1741
PlaceMeissen, Germany
MediumHard-paste porcelain
Dimensionsheight × diameter: 2 1/2 × 14 13/16 inches (6.4 × 37.9 cm.)

Credit LineThe Rienzi Collection, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III
Object number94.950
Not on view

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Department
Rienzi
Object Type
DescriptionIn 1710, Augustus the Strong—Elector of Saxony and King of Poland—established a porcelain factory after two of his workers discovered the formula for hard-paste porcelain, a coveted secret previously known only in Asia. Located in Meissen (in what is now Germany), the porcelain factory was placed under the supervision of the prime minister, Heinrich, Count von Bruhl, in 1733. Von Bruhl soon arranged for the production of a magnificent dinner service that would bear his coat of arms. Four years in the making, this famous set—known as the Swan Service—originally contained more than 2,200 pieces and remained in the possession of his family until after World War II.

ProvenanceHeinrich, Count von Brühl, and his wife, Maria Anna Franziska von Kowlorat-Krakowska, 1741; by descent in the Brühl family until the late nineteenth century; [art market, Copenhagen]; purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III; given to MFAH, 1994.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Blue crossed swords, incised "4" and dreher's mark (2 incised dots) on the underside.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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