Teapot and milk jug, part of a tea service c. 1809 - 1814
Dimensions: height 13.1 cm, width 12.8 cm, diameter 9.1 cm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This teapot and milk jug, part of a tea service, was created by Koninklijke Porseleinfabriek Dommer & Co. The jug’s shape, primarily an ovoid form, exhibits a contrast between its smooth, rounded body and the angular spout. The handle, with its curved, almost calligraphic lines, introduces a dynamic contrast. The floral decorations and ribbons, rendered in a muted palette, add a layer of complexity. The placement of these elements seems deliberately sparse, allowing the white porcelain to dominate. This creates a visual tension between ornamentation and austerity. The jug functions not merely as a utilitarian object but as a signifier of cultural values. It represents the rituals of domestic life and social etiquette. The interplay between form and decoration reflects a broader discourse about functionality, aesthetics, and the cultural codes embedded in everyday objects.