Schotel van porselein c. 1774 - 1778

This is a porcelain plate made in Loosdrecht, though the date of production is unknown. Porcelain, that luminous and delicate material, begins as humble clay, mixed with finely ground minerals. The plate would have been formed on a wheel or in a mold, then fired at incredibly high temperatures – imagine the intense heat needed to transform earth into something so refined. Decoration such as the central scene and border designs were applied through skilled hand-painting. The very existence of this plate speaks to a society that valued not just utility, but also beauty and refinement. Porcelain was a luxury item, and its production required specialized knowledge and a significant investment of labor. Plates such as these played a role in establishing social status, in a period when the rituals of dining were increasingly elaborate and important. Considering its material, making, and context allows us to appreciate this plate not just as a pretty object, but as a cultural artifact, a testament to the skills, values, and social dynamics of its time.