Volkstedt Porcelain, Figurines and Jasperware
Written 17 May , 2010
The factories of Thuringia, Dresden and Meissen in Germany have produced what is considered to be the finest porcelain pieces in the world from the middle of the 18th century until the Second World War when Allied forces bombed and demolished both cities’ porcelain industry. The volkstedt porcelain manufactured in both cities before the war can be distinguished by the blue markings on their bases. However, caution should be taken as many manufacturers in Germany mark their products similarly.
The names Dresden, Meissen and volkstedt can be used interchangeably for the type of porcelain made in southeastern Germany’s Saxony region but each have their own marks on the bases. The Dresden factories had a blue crown base mark; the Meissen factories had two blue crossed swords.
Meissen is still in operation at present and identification services for genuine Meissen pieces. One of the distinguishing volkstedt porcelain marks is the cobalt blue mark which is always glazed over.
The factories manufactured porcelain pieces such as vases, dinnerware, boxes, basins, candlesticks, figurines and jasperware. In the mid-19th century, these volkstedt factories started manufacturing the renowned lace figurines, likewise known as the Dresden Lace. The fine lace design was achieved when real lace was immersed in soft porcelain paste and baked in a kiln. The cotton lace burned away to leave a delicate porcelain lace which, though fragile, can last for a very long time given the right amount of care.
These Dresden-styled volkstedt porcelain figurines oftentimes depict men and women of aristocracy involved in activities of the nobility such as reading, dancing, playing musical instruments and courtship. Other figurines depict simpler themes such as birds, animals and dock scenes.
One of these porcelain factories was operated by Anton Müller. His lace figurines quickly gained popularity. The Müller pieces can be distinguished by his volkstedt porcelain marks – a crown above the initials “MV” (Müller-Volkstedt). Müller’s business developed and was soon exporting around the world, along with some of the older factories which have continued to this day.
Müller-Volkstedt faced more hardships in the 20th century than the earlier factories. Their porcelain factory was totally demolished as a result of Allied carpet bombing raids during World War II. Anton Müller died at this time and it was Johanna Saar, Müller’s niece, who was able to save some of the first original molds and rebuilt her uncle’s factory after the war.
The Saars then moved the family operation to Limerick, Ireland where their factory known as ‘Irish Dresden” continues to manufacture stunning porcelain pieces today.