Meissen Models for the Höroldt Chinoiseries

Meissen Models for the Höroldt Chinoiseries

The foundation of the first German porcelain factory in Meissen in the year 1710 sealed a success story that continues to this day. After the secret of white gold from China was discovered, one could now produce porcelain. With gorgeous, colorful décor for each fashion, Meissen porcelain has become a byword for quality and luxury.

The Greatest Porcelain Painter

One of the most significant personalities of this success story was the porcelain painter Johann Gregorius Höroldt (1696–1775). Höroldt, who was from Jena, was active in Vienna and was a court painter in Meissen from 1720 onward, and is considered to be the “progenitor of the European style of porcelain.” Höroldt rose to be head of porcelain painting in Meissen. Additionally, he developed other techniques for new glaze colors. As such, the famous porcelain painted was famous across Europe. Höroldt’s "Chinoiseries" – porcelain decorated in the Chinese style – made him famous in particular!

Chinese Scenes…

The wonderfully light scenes in the contemporary style of the Chinoiseries are an expression of their time: Chinese motifs such as plants, birds, and other animals, humans in exotic garments, and much more in the Chinese fashion in art and architecture was particularly popular in the 18th century. These designs by Höroldt, who decorated the famous porcelain of Meissen – cups, vases, tea caddies, and more – some of which are still produced today!

A Priceless Compendium

These authoritative designs were recorded in the I modelli di Meissen per le cineserie Höroldt, also known as the Schulz Codex (after Georg Wilhelm Schulz, a businessman from Leipzig, who probably acquired the drawings circa 1900). 132 pages with more than 1,000 sketches from various hands – alongside Höroldt’s own designs, one finds exercises and submissions from his apprentices – make the I modelli di Meissen per le cineserie Höroldt a true treasure chest of chinoiserie décor. The students of Höroldt who are represented here are among those who measurably shaped the history of porcelain painting in Europe. The I modelli di Meissen per le cineserie Höroldt can thus be regarded as the most significant testimonial to European porcelain painting!"