Camel 1755 - 1765

This small, decorative camel was made out of soft-paste porcelain at the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory in England, sometime between 1744 and 1784. These figurines were originally luxury items, catering to the tastes of the wealthy elite. The Chelsea factory, like others across Europe, sought to emulate the highly prized porcelain of East Asia, especially China, whose porcelain was collected, traded and celebrated across the continent. By the mid-18th century, however, European manufacturers were developing their own distinctive styles, of which this little camel is a fine example. Animals were a popular subject and reflected a broader interest in the natural world, but they also served as emblems of status and refinement. This period also saw the establishment of institutions like the Royal Academy, further shaping artistic production and taste. Understanding this piece fully requires delving into the economic history of luxury goods, and the social history of collecting. The porcelain tells us much about the aspirations and values of its original owners.