Pitcher 1852 - 1855

This porcelain pitcher was produced by William Boch and Brothers sometime between 1844 and 1862. At the time, Boch Keramis was known for its detailed relief work, often depicting classical scenes. This pitcher, with its cherubic figures and grape vines, evokes a sense of playful innocence and abundance, yet it invites us to reflect on the dynamics of labor and consumption inherent in decorative objects. Who was afforded the leisure to enjoy such fine craftsmanship, and who bore the weight of its creation? The pitcher, seemingly benign, becomes a vessel filled with questions about class, privilege, and the stories we tell ourselves through the objects we cherish. This piece, poised between utility and art, encourages us to consider how beauty can both reveal and conceal the complex realities of its time.