Part of a coffee and tea service c. 1774 - 1778

This porcelain coffee pot was made by the Loosdrecht porcelain factory, likely sometime in the late 18th century in the Netherlands. The scenes decorating the pot are a fascinating insight into the period’s cultural values. Notice the pastoral scenes depicted in purple. The design mimics the landscapes favored by the aristocracy of the time, suggesting a longing for an idealized, simpler life, far removed from the growing urbanization and social upheaval. Yet, these scenes were consumed while drinking coffee, a product of global trade and colonialism. The Loosdrecht factory itself was an institution shaped by economic forces, producing luxury goods for an elite market. Understanding this coffee pot requires considering the social aspirations of its owners, the economic system that enabled its creation, and the cultural context that gave meaning to its imagery. We can turn to period documents and studies of Dutch society to better understand the nuances of this piece.