Spoon stand 1755 - 1765

This is a porcelain spoon stand, made by the Meissen Manufactory, established in 1710. It provides a glimpse into the elaborate dining culture of 18th-century Europe. At the time, porcelain was a coveted material, often referred to as "white gold," and its production was a closely guarded secret. The ruling class used porcelain to display their power and refinement. This stand, with its delicate floral designs, reflects the values of the elite and their fascination with the natural world, filtered through a lens of luxury and exclusivity. Consider the labor and resources required to create this object. The mining of materials, the skill of the artisans, and the global trade networks involved all point to complex systems of production, often built on exploitation. It prompts us to think about who had access to such items and who did not, highlighting the social and economic inequalities of the era.