Saladier Bowl 1773

This salad bowl was made by the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres, using hard-paste porcelain, a material prized for its smooth, white surface and resilience. The bowl’s delicate form and hand-painted floral decoration reflects the refined tastes of its intended consumers. Notice the roses scattered across the interior, each carefully rendered with subtle variations in color and detail. These patterns were applied by skilled artisans, who would have undergone rigorous training to master the techniques of porcelain painting. The act of making porcelain was a highly skilled process, involving precise control over firing temperatures and glaze application, thus imbuing the object with cultural significance as a symbol of luxury, and social status. This bowl transcends mere functionality, embodying the artistry and craftsmanship of the Sèvres manufactory, and challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.