Meissen, Germany. A set of four antique porcelain plates.

Meissen, Germany. A set of four antique porcelain plates. Hand-decorated with polychrome floral motifs, gold-decorated rim. Marked. 19th century. First factory quality. In excellent condition with minor signs of wear, wear on gold. Dimensions: D 21.0 cm. The Meissen porcelain manufactory was founded in 1710 in the town of Meissen near Dresden, Germany, and is the oldest porcelain factory in Europe. It was established under the patronage of Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony, following the discovery of the secret to producing hard-paste porcelain – previously known only in China. Meissen quickly gained fame for its exceptional quality and artistic decoration, particularly its iconic "onion pattern" and elaborate figurines. The factory is still operating today and remains a symbol of European porcelain history and craftsmanship.