THE ORIGINAL 'AR' MONOGRAM

Meissen (Duitsland - Saksen)

The initials in this monogram are relating to 'Augustus Rex'. This mark was first introduced by the Meissen factory and this in the first half of the 18th century when also the crossed swords were introduced (Cf. Meissen: the crossed swords).
The 'AR' monogram was a special porcelain mark, which was reserved for objects used by the court of Elector August the Strong, founder of the Meissen factory and later reigning over Poland as King August II. Also objects for the court of his son August III who succeeded him in 1733 were marked with this monogram as were, occasionally, gifts to royal visitors. The mark was always applied by hand in underglaze blue, which implies that quite a lot variations exist.
Objects marked with the 'AR' monogram are all originating from the early days of the Meissen factory and are therefore mostly decorated with oriental motives, being or the 'Chinoserieën' (Chinese style) or 'Kakiemon' (Japanese style).
It doesn't have to be said that this porcelain is very expensive and practically non-available on the market. Most of the still existing pieces are part of Royal collections or Museum collections.

However it seems that 'AR' marked porcelain is frequently coming up for sale. These are all imitations, mostly originating from the second half of the 19th century. These objects are very often colorful decorated and totally different from the early 18th century Meissen porcelain. It must have been so that there was a good market for these wares as they have been produced in rather big quantities…

The Meissen factory however did take some legal steps in the 1880's in order to stop these imitations (as they did also in regard with the crossed swords-mark).