Cane handle 1735 - 1745

This cane handle was made at the Saint-Cloud factory, sometime between 1693 and 1766. It's made of soft-paste porcelain, decorated with enamel and gilding, and it takes the unusual form of a man’s head supporting a wide, curving shape. Porcelain was a luxury material in Europe at this time. The secrets of its production were still closely guarded in China, and European factories like Saint-Cloud were trying to replicate it. The soft-paste porcelain they produced was less durable than the Chinese original, but it was still highly prized for its delicate beauty and its ability to be molded into complex shapes. The making of this cane handle would have involved a number of skilled artisans, each with their own specialized knowledge. The modeler would have created the initial form, the potter would have cast it in porcelain, and the enameler would have added the colorful decoration. Gilding would add highlights. All this work speaks to the growing consumer culture of the 18th century, where even everyday objects could be elevated to the level of art. This piece reminds us of the craft and labor involved in creating even the smallest luxury goods.