Teapot c. 1820

This elegant teapot was made at the Denuelle Porcelain Manufactory in France, sometime between 1818 and 1829. The body of the teapot is made from fine porcelain, a material prized for its smooth texture and ability to take on intricate decorations. Here, the scenes are transfer-printed in gold and cobalt blue, using engraved copper plates, showing a fanciful Chinoiserie landscape. The process involved multiple firings in a kiln, each requiring careful control of temperature. The handle and spout are molded separately and then attached, demonstrating the division of labor typical of manufactories. The very techniques used to produce this teapot, speak to the global trade networks that linked Europe to Asia, and the industrial processes that transformed craft into manufacturing. This teapot is more than just a vessel; it’s a material testament to the era's social and economic dynamics, blurring the lines between art, craft, and industrial production.