ATAMI, JAPAN.- The MOA Museum of Art presents an the exhibit Exquisite Meissen Porcelain from Chinoiserie to Rococo and Art Nouveau through November 26. Meissen porcelain is known as the first true porcelain which was, in the early 18th century, manufactured in the West where people had long admired Chinese and Japanese porcelain. Meissen has since developed a multitude of technologies and styles, and adding refined elegance, produced not only tableware but various art objects and furniture characterized by brilliant colors and beautiful flowing forms based on the Rococo style. The exhibition features tableware and a variety of home decor including figures, art objects, mirrors, cabinets and chandeliers, presenting an overall view of the beautiful and precious Meissen antiques.

Meissen porcelain is the first European porcelain. It was successfully produced in a trial firing in 1708 by Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus . However after his untimely death Johann Friedrich Böttger who continued his work has often been credited with the invention. The Meissen production of porcelain started in 1710 and attracted artists and artisans to establish one of the most famous porcelain manufacturers. The official name of the company is Staatliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Meissen GmbH. Its signature logo, the crossed swords, was introduced in 1720, to protect its production and is one of the oldest trademarks in existence.