Meissen Factory

There are many things at this factory that probably have not changed in 150 years, but I was surprised to see that they were getting into new technologies in their kiln work and in other facets of production.

I have seen items being produced in many other factories around the world and Meissen's techniques were basically the same when it came to slip (the liquid porcelain) making and mold work as well as flower creation and application. I had also seen similar techniques in open work where a knife is used to cut out holes to create the look of a basket, etc.

What I enjoyed most was watching the painters, specifically those who were paint intricate florals and ladnscapes on plates. We were privileged to get to watch one of Meissen's most senior painters who was painting a country landscape on a large, pierced border platter. Painting on porcelain is tough enough for more basic designs but to paint a realistic scene you must also be a master artist as well as a porcelain painter. The exacting detail, shading and color work was remarkable. Just to make it even more difficult, the paints used for porcelain are not like oils and acrylics were what color and shade you see is what you get when dry. Porcelain paints are usually very different in shade, color and boldness then what they become after firing.