This is a beautiful pair of Dresden style salt or bonbon dishes in the late 18th century manner. This pair are masterfully crafted in fine porcelain, hand-painted with gilded highlights to emphasise their importance. There is no mistaking their superior quality and unique design, which is certain to make them a talking point at your dining table. Not to mention adding a very special something to your display collection. Each dish features a figure sitting holding the dish, smartly dressed in clothes of the period. One is a female and the other a male. The gilding features along the rim of the dishes and in detailing on the figures and bases. The dishes were a symbol of wealth at the time due to the luxury of being able to afford salt as a seasoning in the period in which they are based. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 18.5 x Width 32 x Depth 20 - Male Height 19 x Width 32 x Depth 20 - Female Dimensions in inches: Height 7 inches x Width 1 foot, 1 inch x Depth 8 inches - Male Height 7 inches x Width 1 foot, 1 inch x Depth 8 inches - Female 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: 01397 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 cart, please click HERE. Delivery and return policy: We require that someone be home on the agreed delivery day if applicable, otherwise a redelivery fee will apply. In accordance with Distance Selling Regulations, we offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the item. The item must be returned in its original packaging and condition. Unless the item is not as described in a material way, the buyer is responsible for return shipping expenses. Buyers are fully responsible for any customs duties or local taxes that may be incurred on items sent outside of the European Union.