Johann Joachim Kändler - Harlequin and Columbine, Meissen porcelain manufactory

The Meissen Porcelain Manufactory was founded by Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, who was determined to create a porcelain factory that could rival the fine porcelain produced in China. He enlisted the help of Johann Friedrich Böttger, a chemist who had been trying to develop a formula for making porcelain for several years. Together they developed a formula that used kaolin, feldspar and quartz to produce a hard, white, translucent porcelain that was similar in quality to Chinese porcelain. The Meissen Porcelain Manufactory quickly became famous for its high-quality products, which included figurines, vases, plates and other decorative items. Over the centuries, the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory has continued to innovate and refine its production techniques. Today, it is still considered one of the world's leading porcelain manufacturers and its products are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.