Böttger, Johann Friedrich

Böttger, Johann Friedrich (yō`hän frē`drĭkh böt`gər), 1682–1719, German chemist and originator of Dresden china. When the Swedish invasion of Saxony occurred (1706), Böttger and his aides were removed from Dresden to protect the secret of the process. He developed a variety of glazes, including black and a delicate violet, later much used. He made use of silver and gold in the decoration. His potteries were under royal patronage, and he was made director of the extensive works in 1708. He perfected white porcelain in 1715. The following year he was imprisoned because of an attempt to sell his secret.