Terrine met onderschotel, beschilderd met vlinders en insecten c. 1778 - 1782

This terrine with a matching saucer, painted with butterflies and insects, was made in Loosdrecht, the Netherlands. Porcelain is such a fascinating material, often seen as precious, yet essentially made from humble clay. This piece speaks of refined taste, featuring delicate hand-painted insects. But think of the labor involved in creating this object. From mining the raw materials, to mixing the porcelain paste, to skillfully shaping it on a wheel, to firing in a kiln, the multiple firings necessary to create the painted decoration. The handle on top imitates intertwined twigs or leaves, while small gilded flourishes decorate the handles. The painter has also taken time to represent the insects, and the way that they animate the otherwise pristine white surface of the porcelain. In a world before mass production, making something like this terrine was a complex feat of teamwork, combining artistic talent with industrial processes. This terrine shows the complex interweaving of art, craft, and industry in the 18th century.