Johann Friedrich Böttger, German chemist and potter (b. 1682)

Johann Friedrich Böttger, a German alchemist whose life spanned from February 4, 1682, to March 13, 1719, remains a pivotal figure in the history of European craftsmanship. Born in Schleiz and passing away in Dresden, Böttger is predominantly celebrated for achieving what many considered an impossible feat: the discovery of the secret to creating hard-paste porcelain in Europe. This momentous breakthrough, generally dated to 1708, effectively ended centuries of European reliance on expensive imports from Asia for this highly prized material.

While Böttger is widely credited with this monumental discovery, historical records also suggest that English manufacturers or even his collaborator, Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus, might have made similar strides beforehand. Nevertheless, what is unequivocally clear is the profound impact of his work on the burgeoning European porcelain industry. The legendary Meissen factory, which opened its doors in 1710, just two years after Böttger's breakthrough, was the first in Europe to produce porcelain in substantial quantities. The intricate recipe for this "white gold" was initially a tightly guarded trade secret, held exclusively by Böttger for his company. However, the sheer demand and value of porcelain inevitably spurred relentless experimentation across the continent, as artisans and alchemists alike tirelessly sought to uncover the coveted formula, forever transforming European decorative arts and manufacturing.