Bowl c. 1785

This bowl was made by the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company out of bone china, a type of porcelain known for its delicate, translucent quality and milky white color. The process begins with a mixture of clay, bone ash, and other materials, which are then shaped, fired at high temperatures, and decorated. Here, transfer printing in black is used to depict leisure scenes. This technique involves engraving an image on a copper plate, inking it, and then transferring it onto tissue paper, which is then applied to the porcelain surface. The bowl’s imagery suggests wealth and leisure, reflecting the tastes of the late 18th century English elite. The industrial production of porcelain, including the skilled labor involved in shaping, firing, and decorating, was well established by this point, but the addition of transfer-printed imagery made it possible to offer luxury goods such as this to a wider market. Ultimately, an object like this bowl invites us to consider the relationship between industry, artistry, and social class. It challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, highlighting the cultural significance embedded in everyday objects.