Twee figuren van Meissen porselein before 1884

These two porcelain figures were made in Meissen, Germany, by Lemercier & Cie. The figures would have started with a master model, then piece molds would have been taken from that model. Liquid clay, or slip, would have been cast into the molds, allowed to harden, and carefully removed. The figures would have then been skillfully assembled, fired in a kiln, and painted with exquisite detail. Meissen porcelain, established in the early 18th century, was one of the first European manufacturers of hard-paste porcelain. This highly prized material was previously only known in China, and its formula was a closely guarded secret. The creation of Meissen porcelain demanded skilled labor and precise methods, making it a symbol of status and luxury. Considering the immense time and labor involved, it’s clear that the value of these figures lies not only in their beauty, but also in the story of craft, skill, and industrial ambition behind their creation. They remind us that even decorative objects carry deep cultural and economic significance.