Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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How did an alchemist discover the recipe for porcelain? And why did his discovery ultimately drive him mad? Join Paul Greenhalgh and Stephanie Rozene as they pick up the story of Europe’s obsession with porcelain and the race to discover its secret formula. Stranger than fiction this is another great story in the history of ceramics.

Ceramics and artwork in this week’s episode include:
King Augustus II the Strong, 1670–1733
Johann Friedrich Böttger, 1682–1719
Friedrich Zorn, 1711–89
King Frederick I of Prussia, 1657–1713
Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus, 1651–1708
Plate, Circa 1730–35, Meissen Manufactory, Courtesy of The Met Collection
Vase with cover, 1725, Meissen Manufactory, Courtesy of The Met Collection
Vase, 1710 –13, Meissen Manufactory, Courtesy of The Met Collection
Tea caddy, 1710 –13, Meissen Manufactory

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