August II the Strong (1670-1733) was one of the strongest and indeed most virile (he allegedly sired 354 children) rulers of Saxony. Leaving his physical prowess aside, he also had a penchant for luxury and spent much of his time in power commissioning sumptuous baroque palaces as well as encouraging the manufacture of high-quality handicrafts. Another of his legacies is the founding of the traditional porcelain manufacturer Meissen in 1710. The company logo of crossed swords stands today as a mark of one of Europe’s best porcelain manufacturers and those in the know highly regard Meissen porcelain due to its premium quality, rarity and stable value. This particular item, a splendid vase featuring a flower and fruit design, was first manufactured by Meissen at the beginning of the 18th Century and was one of the earliest pieces created by the company. Today, a modern version is available as a special limited edition piece for 21st Century collectors and aficionados; it’s 46cm high and comes with a price tag of €15,500.