Early Meissen porcelain in Dresden

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The history of the Dresden Porzellansammlung began in 1717 when Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, acquired the Holländisches Palais along the River Elbe, aiming to create a porcelain palace. Within two years, it became a stunning showcase of Chinese, Japanese, and early Meissen porcelain. The royal collector, who sought ever more treasures, envisioned an even grander palace, later named the Japanisches Palais. As he planned its expansion, the Meissen manufactory began producing hundreds of porcelain items, including 910 orders for animals, vases, and dishes in 1732 alone. However, the king's death in Warsaw halted his grand vision. Despite this, the palace, its decorative plans, and the porcelain collection endured through the centuries. Today, they form the heart of the Zwinger Museum's exceptional collection, housing over 20,000 porcelain pieces, including the largest collection of Early Meissen with 10,000 items. The museum showcases invaluable eighteenth-century pieces, spanning the full range of the Meissen manufactory, from early masterpieces to celadon and Japanese porcelain, as well as lifelike animal figures, sculpted busts, and elaborate table and tea services reflecting the diverse styles of the era.