Meissen is a German porcelain manufacturer established in 1710 in Meissen, Saxony, making it the oldest porcelain manufacturer in Europe. The factory was founded under the patronage of Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony, after Johann Friedrich Bottger and Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus successfully produced hard-paste porcelain, breaking the Chinese monopoly on porcelain production. Meissen's crossed swords trademark, in use since 1722, is one of the oldest trademarks in continuous use worldwide.
Meissen produces dinnerware, figurines, vases, and decorative objects using traditional techniques that have been refined over three centuries. The manufacturing process involves over 80 individual steps, and many decorators undergo a three-to-five-year apprenticeship before working on production pieces. Iconic patterns include Blue Onion (introduced in 1739), Swan Service, and Ming Dragon. The company maintains an archive of approximately 700,000 molds and 175,000 decorative patterns. Each piece is hand-painted, and complex figurines can require months of work by multiple artisans.
Meissen is owned by the Free State of Saxony and operates as a state-owned enterprise. The factory and museum in Meissen attract over 300,000 visitors annually. The brand positions itself in the ultra-luxury segment, with simple dinnerware pieces starting around $150 and elaborate hand-painted services, figurines, and limited editions reaching tens of thousands of dollars. Meissen also accepts commissions for bespoke dinnerware services and architectural porcelain installations.