Knife c. 18th century

This knife was made from porcelain at the Meissen Porcelain Factory in Germany. Meissen was the first European factory to successfully produce porcelain, initiating a new fashion for these wares. Prior to this, porcelain was produced exclusively in China and Japan, and was highly prized in Europe, which leads us to ask, what is the public role of luxury? Here we see the handle adorned with delicate blue floral designs. These designs reference the earlier Chinese porcelain production while initiating a recognizably European style. The gilded blade suggests the extravagant wealth of the upper classes. The knife becomes a signifier of social status. To understand the art of this period, we need to consult widely, looking at historical texts about porcelain production, the fashion for chinoiserie, and the economics of trade between Europe and China. In this way, we can understand the values and the cultural context of 18th century Europe.