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.
The role of Bessarabian Zemstva in opening the school of viticulture and winemaking from Saharna
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IV [XIX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
The activity of the Bessarabian Zemstva included a wide range of issues and tasks. An important place among them was hold by issues regarding education. The subject of this article focuses on education as well. It reflects zemstva’s contribution to the development of agrarian education in Bessarabia at the beginning of the 20th century. The article’s purpose is to illustrate the role of provincial Zemstva in opening the school of viticulture and winemaking at the estate from Saharna which was donated to the Zemstva by engineer N. C. Apostolopulo.
The proposal to open a school of viticulture and winemaking in Saharna was for the first time put forward for examination at the 35th session of the Assembly of the provincial Zemstva (1903). This issue was also on the agenda at the meetings from 11th May and 18th December 1904. Yet, the Zemstva did not rush in opening the school, as it was opened only on 18th may 1905.
Although the Zemstva delayed the inauguration of the school, the role of the provincial Council was significant. The council succeeded in obtaining the approval of the so-called establishment „principles” of the school, although they did not correspond to regulation from 26th may 1904. However, Eugenia Apostolopulo, the tutor of the school, played the most important role in this process.
Vera Serjant
The legacy of Vasile Stroescu
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. XIV [XXIX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Vera Serjant
First “advertisements” in the Bessarabian press (1854-1899)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. II [XVII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Vera Serjant
Advertisements of trading houses and shops in the Bessarabian press (the late 19th - early 20th centuries)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. V [XX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Vera Serjant
Medals from the collections of the National Museum of History of Moldova, dedicated to the event of the Great Union
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. XII [XXVII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Vera Serjant
The exhibition "Advertisements in Bessarabia"
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. X [XXV], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
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...
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.
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.
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.