Teapot 18th century

This porcelain teapot was made at the Meissen Manufactory. The translucent ceramic material is instantly recognizable, its inherent qualities of form, surface, and decoration are here on full display. The handle, spout, lid, and body of the teapot, each requires its own mold. The individual parts would then be slip-cast, assembled, and hand-painted. This division of labor allowed for the mass production of porcelain wares. The skilled artisans would be responsible for the finely detailed floral decorations. Meissen porcelain like this was originally produced by enslaved labor, involving a complex interplay of artistry, commerce, and exploitation. The production of porcelain objects like this one involved countless people performing specialized tasks, each contributing to the creation of a final product that signifies status and luxury. Considering the social context and the labor involved in its production deepens our understanding of the object's meaning.