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#Exhibit of the Month

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Porcelain is a material that has sparked great interest throughout history, and its production has been a true challenge. Also known as "white gold," porcelain is a white, translucent ceramic material obtained by firing a paste of kaolin, quartz, and feldspar, along with other additives, at high temperatures. It was first discovered and used in China. The first Chinese porcelain objects arrived in Europe in the 13th century, but a broader spread of Chinese porcelain on the European continent is recorded in the 17th century. The technology for producing porcelain was kept a secret by the Chinese for a very long time.

The first hard-paste porcelain manufactory in Europe, located in the city of Meissen, was established in 1710 due to discoveries in porcelain production made by Saxon mathematician and physicist Ehrenfried Walter von Tschirnhaus (1661-1708), which were put into practice by the royal court alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger (1682-1718). He invented the glaze and achieved the complete fusion of the shard and the glaze. The Meissen factory, still operational today, has created and continues to create a vast range of porcelain products. Crafted by the finest artists, sculptors, and engravers, who use unique hand-painted colors and exclusive designs, Meissen products are of exceptional quality and elegance, enjoying worldwide fame.

The tea set, partially consisting of seven pieces (teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl, and two cups with saucers), displayed in this showcase, is a product of the famous Meissen factory in the Kingdom of Saxony, Germany. It was crafted in the first half of the 19th century from high-quality porcelain. The exhibit became part of the collection of the National Museum of History of Moldova through a transfer from the "G. Cotovschi" Memorial House in Hâncești, which was closed in 1989-1990.

The decoration of these pieces is remarkable, featuring hand-painted "German flowers," one of the well-known styles of floral and plant decoration practiced by Meissen craftsmen since the 18th century. They were influenced by Chinese porcelain, which was often adorned with images of flowers and fruits. A distinctive feature of this decorative style was the "scattered flowers" arrangement, where floral elements were placed as individual blossoms or bouquets across the surface of porcelain objects.

The marking on the underside of the pieces consists of two crossed swords, elements borrowed from the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Saxony, applied by hand with cobalt paint under the glaze. With slight variations in the representation of the swords, this mark has been used since 1722 and continues to the present day. The mark on this tea set is characterized by prominent dots on the crossed swords, a feature used at the Meissen factory between 1815 and 1860.

The polychrome floral painting, gilding, and the application of a rosebud on the lids of the teapot and sugar bowl lend a sublime delicacy to these pieces, making them rare and exquisite.


Virtual Tour


Exhibitions

„Mihai Eminescu in Medallic Art, Philately, and Postcard Collecting from the NMHM Collection”

January 3 – December 31, 2025

Mihai Eminescu, one of the most prominent figures of Romanian culture, is celebrated through an exceptional mini-exhibition hosted in the Bronze Hall of the National Museum of History of Moldova. This exhibition reveals a unique perspective on the national poet, reflected through objects of remarkable artistic and historical value. Items from the fields of medallic art, philately, and postcard collecting, each telling its own story, reconstruct the image of the poet in details that transcend time.

The exhibition atmosphere is marked by works created by talented artists from Moldova, Romania, Latvia, and Russia, each contributing their own interpretation of the Eminescian legacy. Among them stand out Constantin Dumitrescu, Vasile Gabor, Maximilian Fetița, Ștefan Grudinschi, Janis Strupulis, and Aleksandr Baklanov, whose creations offer an engaging insight into the poet's life and work. The exhibited medals evoke various themes, from the emblematic friendship with Ion Creangă, his study trips to Vienna, Berlin, and other European cultural centers, to the image of his parents, Gheorghe and Raluca Eminovici, who profoundly influenced his development. Engraved portraits of the poet, inspired by the four iconic photographs, complete this vibrant image.

A special place is occupied by rare pieces, such as the commemorative "1 ruble" coin issued in 1989 on the centenary of the poet's death, crafted by Aleksandr Baklanov at the Saint Petersburg Mint. Other medals, such as "The Eminescu Constellation," depicting the poet's family, and "The Signature of Poet M. Eminescu," offer personal details and symbols associated with him. Additionally, the series "Basarabia Grateful" brings into focus the connection between Eminescu's legacy and the community's gratitude for the cultural values perpetuated.


The postcards presented in the exhibition capture essential aspects of Mihai Eminescu's life and work through collectible postcards. These include portraits of the poet, illustrations inspired by his poems, images of iconic places linked to his life, as well as representations of busts of the poet and monuments erected in his memory. Each postcard becomes a visual testimony to the universal impact his creation had on national and international culture.

The philatelic items showcased bring to the forefront stamp sheets, individual stamps, and philatelic blocks that celebrate Eminescu's personality and work. They are illustrated with images of his family tree and prominent figures in his circle. Issued in Moldova, Romania, and other countries, these philatelic pieces not only reflect respect for the poet's work but also perpetuate his memory in a form accessible to collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide.

The exhibits come from both the museum's collection and donations from renowned collectors such as Ioan Dogaru, Nicolae Curdov, Constantin Dumitrescu, and others. This diversity reflects the profound impact of Eminescu's work on successive generations of creators and admirers. The postcards and stamp sheets contribute to completing the image of the poet, illustrating key moments of his life and evoking the universality of his poetic message.

The public is invited to discover this remarkable collection throughout the year, within an exhibition space that combines elegance with cultural reflection. Visitors will have the opportunity to contemplate the image of the national poet, reflected in artistic creations of inestimable value, which evoke the universal echo of his immortal work. The National Museum of History of Moldova invites you to explore a lesser-known aspect of Mihai Eminescu's legacy, a cultural treasure preserved and celebrated for all generations.


 




Independent Moldova
Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic
Bessarabia and MASSR between the Two World Wars
Bessarabia and Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic in the Period between the Two World Wars
Revival of National Movement
Time of Reforms and their Consequences
Abolition of Autonomy. Bessarabia – a New Tsarist Colony
Period of Relative Autonomy of Bessarabia within the Russian Empire
Phanariot Regime
Golden Age of the Romanian Culture
Struggle for Maintaining of Independence of Moldova
Formation of Independent Medieval State of Moldova
Era of the
Great Nomad Migrations
Early Middle Ages
Iron Age and Antiquity
Bronze Age
Aeneolithic Age
Neolithic Age
Palaeolithic Age
  
  

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Winter schedule: daily
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Entrance fees:  adults - 50 MDL, Pensioners, students - 20 lei, pupils - 10 MDL. Free access: enlisted men (...)

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#Exhibit of the Month

Porcelain is a material that has sparked great interest throughout history, and its production has been a true challenge. Also known as "white gold," porcelain is a white, translucent ceramic material obtained by firing a paste of kaolin, quartz, and feldspar, along with other additives, at high temperatures...

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The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
©2006-2025 National Museum of History of Moldova
Visit museum 31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phones:
Secretariat: +373 (22) 24-43-25
Department of Public Relations and Museum Education: +373 (22) 24-04-26
Fax: +373 (22) 24-43-69
E-mail: office@nationalmuseum.md
Technical Support: info@nationalmuseum.md
Web site administration and maintenance: Andrei EMILCIUC

 



The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
©2006-2025 National Museum of History of Moldova
Visit museum 31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phones:
Secretariat: +373 (22) 24-43-25
Department of Public Relations and Museum Education: +373 (22) 24-04-26
Fax: +373 (22) 24-43-69
E-mail: office@nationalmuseum.md
Technical Support: info@nationalmuseum.md
Web site administration and maintenance: Andrei EMILCIUC

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The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
©2006-2025 National Museum of History of Moldova
Visit museum 31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phones:
Secretariat: +373 (22) 24-43-25
Department of Public Relations and Museum Education: +373 (22) 24-04-26
Fax: +373 (22) 24-43-69
E-mail: office@nationalmuseum.md
Technical Support: info@nationalmuseum.md
Web site administration and maintenance: Andrei EMILCIUC