Beaker (one of a pair) 1730 - 1740

This porcelain beaker was made in the workshop of Charles Fromery, in Berlin, sometime around the early 18th century. Its creation speaks to the story of porcelain in Europe. Desperate to unlock the secret of this coveted material, European manufacturers like Fromery had to reverse-engineer their own versions through trial and error. The result was an intense period of experimentation in which porcelain recipes and decorative techniques were highly prized. The delicate painting and gilding on this beaker showcases the incredible skill of Fromery’s workshop. The elaborate decoration must have involved many hours of labor, and several firings in the kiln to achieve the finished effect. This object represents the transformation of base materials into a luxury good, reflecting the burgeoning global trade of the early modern period. Ultimately, appreciating objects like this beaker means looking beyond their beauty, and recognizing the complex histories of craft, labor, and commerce they embody.