Johann Gottfried Böttger is chiefly remembered as the inventor of Meissen porcelain, but he also experimented with stone-cutting. He was commissioned by August the Strong to erect new polishing mills outside the gates of Dresden to process Saxony’s gemstones. He created the most modern cutting and polishing mills of his time. However, they were closed down after just a few years.
This translucent bowl is made of thinly carved chalcedony. With its delightful geometric ornamentation and leaf-shaped handles, it was one of the finest products of the new mills. No doubt, it was intended to provide evidence of what the manufactory could achieve. The cut and polish are extremely precise.
August the Strong liked to display examples of Saxony’s latest technology in his treasury vault. Showing them off to his visitors, he could bask in reflected glory.
Further Media
- Location & Dating
- probably Dresden, 1713-1715
- Material & Technique
- Chalcedony
- Dimenions
- H 5,0 cm, Dm Standfläche 7,1 cm, Breite mit Henkeln 18,9 cm, Dm Schale 13,6 cm; Gewicht: 186 g
- Museum
- Grünes Gewölbe
- Inventory number
- V 544