This shield varies in shape and size. It has been in use since 1744.
Hungary.—Toward the end of the last century a porcelain-factory was at work in Herend, at which porcelain of an Oriental character and much richness was made. This was doubtless intended for the Turkish and Asiatic markets. A piece bought in Ispahan, as Oriental, is now pronounced to be Herend, and was purchased by the South Kensington Museum in 1863.
Some pieces figured on the lower line of the engraving ([Fig. 131]) show the Oriental character of the decorations, but not the bright and rich colors.
The word “Herend” is found impressed on the ware; sometimes in incised letters.
In 1839 Fischer established a porcelain-manufactory, which, I believe, is still at work. Sometimes he used the shield of the arms of Austria for a mark, and at others his own initials, MF (Morris Fischer), combined.
Höchst (or Mayence) Porcelain—Hard Paste.—Mayence, or Mainz, was once a small state or duchy, presided over by the elector, who was archbishop of the state. Pottery had been made there for many years; and at last, in 1740, an escaped workman from Vienna, named Ringler, taught them the secrets of porcelain. He seems to have been a man of force—one who worked for excellence—and under his direction some of the best porcelain was made. When the manufactory became a state establishment, the services of an artist named Melchior were secured as modeler and decorator. He was one of those rare men who have an innate sense of the beauties of form and proportion, which study had made more keen and true.
His figures and small groups rank highest of any for their spirit, grace, and delicacy, and command to-day extreme prices. The letter “M” is engraved on the bottom of many of Melchior’s productions, in addition to the wheel, or wheel and crown, which was the common mark for the factory.
The vases and table-ware partake of the general character of the Dresden, which led all the rest; it had a good sale, and, being never produced in great quantities, the pieces are not now very common. They are desired in all good collections, and the prices are high.
One day, when Ringler had taken too much wine, his workmen stole from his pocket the secret for mixing the paste, and from this many of the smaller manufactories of Germany took their start. The factory was destroyed by the French in 1794.
The mark of the Höchst ware was a wheel, with or without the crown.