Olie- en azijnstel c. 1761 - 1768

This is an oil and vinegar set, made of porcelain by the Weesper porseleinfabriek. Pieces like this, from the late 18th century, offer a glimpse into the material culture of the Dutch elite and their aspirations for refinement. As global trade intensified, the desire for luxury goods like porcelain grew. Yet, these items were not merely decorative; they were tools that reinforced social hierarchies and class distinctions. Owning such pieces allowed one to perform a certain identity and signal their place in society. Consider how something as simple as an oil and vinegar set becomes charged with meaning, reflecting not only the aesthetics of its time but also the complex web of social relations. The delicate craftsmanship speaks to the labor and resources involved in its creation, while its function highlights the performative aspects of dining and social etiquette. The set invites us to think about the everyday objects that shape our lives, and how they, too, can be powerful symbols of who we are and where we belong.