Meissen Figure Group, artist Johann JoachimKändler, c. 1745-50, The Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Meissen porcelain was named after the town where porcelain began to be manufactured in 1710. The key to the success of these European porcelain makers, was that they had managed to replicate the hard-paste porcelain techniques that the Chinese had developed and kept secret for centuries. Most people associate Meissen with highly decorative figurines like the one above, but all different types of ceramic goods were manufactured in the area.

Meissen Tea Canister and Cover 1710-13, The Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Some of the typical "crossed swords" Meissen marks.