Fish bowl with floral scrolls, flowering plants, birds and insects c. 1740 - 1760

This fishbowl, of unknown origin, is made of glazed ceramic with bronze handles. The smooth, cool surface of the porcelain belies the tremendous heat required to fire it, and the intense labor involved in its making. First, kaolin clay would be prepared, shaped on a wheel, and fired at a low temperature. Then, skilled artisans would apply the intricate polychrome decoration, using brushes tipped with mineral-based pigments. A final firing would fuse the colors to the surface, rendering it both durable and dazzling. Although unsigned, this fishbowl would have been made by a team of highly skilled workers, each responsible for a particular aspect of its production. From the extraction of raw materials to the final polishing, its creation reflects a complex social network. Considering its materials and making helps us appreciate the historical context of this object, challenging any distinction between art and craft.