Bullfinch (one of a pair), Meissen porcelain manufactory, Vincennes 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.

The Vincennes Porcelain Manufactory was founded in 1740 in the town of Vincennes, France. It was the first porcelain factory in France and was established under the patronage of King Louis XV. The factory was set up to produce high quality porcelain to rival that produced in China. The Vincennes Porcelain Manufactory was renowned for its exquisite designs and fine craftsmanship. The factory produced a wide range of porcelain items including plates, cups, saucers, vases and figurines. The porcelain produced by the Vincennes factory was often decorated with intricate designs and painted in vibrant colours. In 1756, the Vincennes porcelain factory moved to the nearby town of Sèvres, where it became known as the Sèvres porcelain factory. The factory continued to produce high quality porcelain throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, becoming one of the most prestigious porcelain manufacturers in Europe. Today, Vincennes porcelain is highly sought after by collectors and can be found in museums and private collections around the world.