US$207.54 This is a pretty porcelain casket ideal for jewellery or any other treasured items. Hand-painted with classical scenes and beautiful floral decoration in the timeless Dresden style with absolutely fantastic attention to detail. This stunning piece is a must have for any serious collector of ornamental porcelain. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation of condition. Dimensions in cm: Height 8 x Width 13 x Depth 9 Dimensions in inches: Height 3 inches x Width 5 inches x Depth 3 inches Dresden porcelain - A King's Obsession In the early 1700s, King Augustus II, prince elector of Saxony, held goldsmith Johann Bottger prisoner and commissioned him to create gold. Bottger instead discovered the method of creating porcelain, a favored and valuable item in the king's eyes.

 The king announced to Europe in 1710 that he would open a porcelain manufactory in Dresden. He instead opened one at nearby Albrechtsburg castle. Espionage was rampant, and the king guarded his porcelain secret, even though it meant imprisoning workers within the castle walls.

 By 1720, the secret was leaked and porcelain producers popped up in Vienna and Venice. Dresden porcelain adopted Saxon crossed swords in under-glaze blue as its distinguishing mark.

 In 1736, the porcelain manufactory produced the "Swan Service." It consists of 1,400 pieces, and is the largest, most lavish porcelain service ever created.

 In 1872, Dresden built its own manufactory to better establish its role in porcelain production. Our reference: 03881 Please feel free to email or call us (+44 20 8809 9605) to arrange a viewing in our North London warehouse. Shipping: We ship worldwide and deliver to Mainland UK addresses free of charge. A shipping cost to all other destinations must be requested prior to purchase. To request a shipping quote for the items in your...