Pas op, breekbaar: Celebrating 300 Years of European Porcelain History and Design

This exhibition explores 300 years of European porcelain, tracing its journey from a highly prized luxury item in the 17th century to a mass-produced material with wide-ranging technical and artistic applications today. It highlights key moments in its production history, including the first European factory in Meissen, and its evolution into modern Dutch Design and everyday objects.

Three centuries ago, Europe began producing porcelain, transforming it from an exclusive collector's item into a ubiquitous material with extensive technical applications. This exhibition, 'Pas op, breekbaar: 300 jaar Europees porselein', delves into this fascinating history, showcasing examples from the very first European productions to contemporary Dutch Design and even the components of mobile phones. Initially, in the 17th century, European elites coveted imported Chinese porcelain, making it exceptionally valuable due to high demand and limited supply. This spurred European manufacturers, including the well-known Delftware industry, to decipher the complex production techniques. Success finally came in Dresden in the early 18th century, leading to the establishment of Europe's first porcelain factory in Meissen in 1710, a factory that remains a leader in porcelain manufacturing today. Throughout the 18th century, porcelain workshops were established across Europe by royalty and entrepreneurs, many of which are still active. Porcelain evolved into a mass product found in nearly every home and office, becoming indispensable in the hospitality industry. Beyond tableware, its development for industrial uses has led to applications in sectors ranging from dentistry to aerospace, with its durable properties now driving a comeback against plastics. Porcelain has also been rediscovered in the art world, with designers and artists employing it in innovative ways for jewelry, furniture, and artworks. In the Netherlands, porcelain production has a 250-year history, with 18th-century Dutch porcelain remaining highly sought after by collectors, and contemporary Dutch Design continuing to make a global impact.