Tureen with cover and stand 1755 - 1765

This porcelain Tureen with cover and stand was made by the Meissen Manufactory, a pioneering force in European porcelain production. Created in the 18th century, this piece offers a glimpse into the opulent dining culture of the European elite. Initially, porcelain production was shrouded in secrecy, making pieces like this highly prized status symbols. The delicate decorations of birds and idyllic scenes weren’t just aesthetic choices; they reflected a broader cultural interest in the natural world, filtered through a European lens. While the Tureen itself speaks to wealth and privilege, it's also worth considering the labor that went into its creation, the skilled artisans whose names are largely lost to history. The cherubic figure on top, a common motif in European art, can be seen as an emblem of innocence and purity, but might also suggest the social and economic disparities of the time.