#meissen
Johann Joachim Kändler, Meissen Chess Set, 18th century. Meissen Porcelain factory, Germany.
The predecessor of modern chess was probably chaturanga, a game which developed in India around 500 AD. The game came to Europe via the Arabs, and by the 18th century it had become one of the most popular leisure pastimes at court. The squares of the Meissen chess board are painted purple and green with tiny square grids, and its edge is lavishly gilded. The figures, distinctive small sculptures by Johann Joachim Kändler (1706–1775), wear the clothes of European courts at that time. The pawns hold their hats on their heads with both hands, the rook is a battle elephant, the knight a rearing horse, the queen an elegant, crowned lady, and the king wears armour. Via imm.hu
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I’ve had the pleasure to collaborate with AD Germany magazine in the September issue.
The work was to sculpt specific tablewares in miniature. I’ve especially enjoyed recreating the pieces of such talented designers.
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19th century Meissen porcelain figurine of Marie Antoinette. [source: Link Auction Galleries, via invaluable]
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A late-18th Century drawing of the ‘Blue Onion’ pattern, first designed at Meissen in 1738.
Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen
That’s a beautiful design! Do you all know that you can still buy it?
Maissen still exists and still sells this pattern, along their new designs (all very cute, I encourage you to check their Meissen collage collection!).
Of course, the pieces from the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries are quite valuable and you can find them (or sell them) through auction houses, and antique shops.
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