Saucer 1700 - 1730

This porcelain saucer was made by the Meissen Manufactory, a leader in European ceramics production since the early 18th century. Meissen was famed for its hard-paste porcelain, which is made by firing a blend of kaolin clay and petuntse stone at extremely high temperatures. This creates a pure white, translucent body that is ideal for delicate forms, and also for painting. The image is reminiscent of the chinoiserie style, popular at the time. It reflects Europe's fascination with Asian aesthetics, yet interpreted through a Western lens. Consider the labor involved in producing such an object: from the mining of raw materials, to the skilled artistry of shaping and painting, to the intense heat of the kiln. This saucer represents not just luxury, but also a complex network of production and trade, that touches on issues of class, skill, and global exchange. Appreciating the artistry in this saucer invites us to look beyond mere aesthetics and consider the wider context of its creation.