Fragile Diplomacy
Subtitle: Meissen Porcelain for European Courts (Bard Graduate Centre for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design & Culture)
Publisher: Yale University Press; Published for The Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design, and Culture, New York, by Yale University Press
Published: January 28, 2008
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 400
ISBN-13: 9780300126815
Subjects: Antiques & collectables: ceramics & glass; Ceramics; c 1700 to c 1800; Antiques; Antiques & Collectibles; History - General History; Antiques/Collectibles; Europe; General; History - General; Pottery & Ceramics; Art / General; Porcelain & China; 18th century; Diplomatic gifts; Exhibitions; Germany; History; Meissen (Saxony); Meissen porcelain; Porcelain, German; Saxony
Description: "While imported Chinese porcelain had become a valuable commodity in Europe in the seventeenth century, local attempts to produce porcelain long remained unsuccessful. At last the secret of hard-paste porcelain was uncovered, and in 1710 the first European porcelain was made in Saxony. Meissen porcelain, still manufactured today, soon ranked in value with silver and gold." "This thorough and lavishly illustrated volume explores the early years of Meissen porcelain and how the princes of Saxony came to use highly prized porcelain pieces as diplomatic gifts for presentation to foreign courts. An eminent team of international contributors examines the trade of Meissen with other nations, from England to Russia. They also investigate the cultural ambience of the Dresden Court, varying tastes of the markets, the wide range of porcelain objects, and their designers and makers. Individual chapters are devoted to gifts to Denmark, other German courts, the Holy Roman Empire, Italy, France, and other nations. For every Meissen collector or enthusiast, this book will be not only a treasured handbook but also a source of visual delight."--Jacket.