Meissen China An Illustrated History Author:Karl Berling (Editor) Around 1709 the reformed alchemist Johna Friedrich Botteger accomplished a feat that had baffled the technologists and chemists of Europe for generations: he discovered how to make a true porcelain that would stand comparison with the finer wares of the Orient. Following Boettger's discovery, the King of Saxony, Augustus the Strong, establis... more »hed the Royal Saxon Pottery Works at Meissen, founding an industry that continued through invasions, wars, revolutions and economic catastrophes. In the year 1911, following the 1910 celebration of the Meissen bicentennial, a deluxe volume was prepared covering the history and wares of the firm. Utilizing the private archives of the company, plus an unparalleled collection of pieces, it covered every aspect of Meissen: the origins of the processes, the forms made in each period, the decoration, the techniques employed, history of special productions, and a wealth of other information that could not conceivably be matched from other sources. This sumptuous volume shows an incredible wealth of fragile beauty in dinner chinaware, vases, pedestals, chandeliers, candlesticks, figurines, centerpieces, jardinieres, commemorative wares and other porcelains. It includes more than 700 pieces.« less