Salad bowl c. 1810

This elegant salad bowl was produced by the Worcester Porcelain Works, a company established in England in 1751. The bowl is made of porcelain, a refined ceramic material prized for its translucence and delicacy. The making of porcelain is labor intensive, involving the careful mixing and firing of specific clays at high temperatures. This piece is further enhanced with hand-painted details and gilding, showcasing the skill of the Worcester artisans. The intricate patterns and emblem of the deer were carefully applied, reflecting both the fashion for decorative arts and the refined tastes of the consumer. Consider the social context: objects like these were luxury items, enjoyed by the upper classes. They represent not only artistry, but also a complex network of trade, labor, and consumption that characterized 18th-century society. Looking at it closely, we begin to recognize the many hands that shaped this object, and the social dynamics it represents.