Schotel, beschilderd met strooibloemen en bladeren c. 1780 - 1784

This small plate was made in Loosdrecht, the Netherlands, and is decorated with delicate sprigs of blue flowers and leaves. The factory at Loosdrecht was founded in 1774, relatively late in the history of European porcelain production. It was one of the first successful porcelain factories in the Netherlands, initiated by a local clergyman who secured the patronage of the Prince of Orange. The blue and white decoration seen here imitates imported Chinese porcelain, which was highly prized throughout Europe from the 17th century onwards. While porcelain had previously been reserved for the tables of the aristocracy, by the late 18th century it was increasingly accessible to the middle classes. This plate reflects a growing culture of domestic display, where fashionable ceramics played an important role in expressing status and taste. By examining factory records, probate inventories, and trade directories, we can learn more about the changing social status of porcelain in 18th-century Europe. Understanding the economic and social context in which this plate was made helps us to appreciate its value as a historical object.