What is Meissen?

Meissen is the name of a city in eastern Germany. It is also known as the name of the porcelain produced in this region. Famous as the place where the first pure white porcelain in Europe was created in 1710, products from the "Meissen kiln" continue to be highly popular worldwide for their high quality and elegance.

Meanwhile, from the 1660s onwards, Arita ware was exported in large quantities, particularly to Europe, and gained immense popularity among the aristocracy. Among them, Augustus the Strong, the Elector of Saxony in present-day Germany, was an avid collector of ceramics and particularly fond of Chinese and Arita porcelain. At that time, Arita ware was produced in Arita town and then shipped via Imari Port, so in Europe, it was known as "IMARI" after the name of the port.

Driven by Augustus the Strong's passion, the "Meissen Porcelain Manufactory" was established with the goal of manufacturing porcelain in their own country. A particular focus was placed on imitating and reproducing Arita ware in the "Kakiemon style."

As a result, the Meissen kiln became widely known as a leading European porcelain manufactory, and at the same time, it helped spread the name of Arita ware around the world. Even today, Arita Town and Meissen City continue to have exchanges as sister cities.

Incidentally, within the Arita Porcelain Park in Arita Town, there is a building modeled after the "Zwinger Palace" in Dresden, the former residence of King Augustus. Its reproduction is remarkably accurate and well worth a visit.