Ovoid vase with four women and two children at a table and with an inscription c. 1724

This ovoid vase, now in the Rijksmuseum, was created by an anonymous artist, using porcelain and enamel paint. Porcelain, itself a meticulously crafted material, is here elevated through hand-painted scenes. Note the contrast between the smooth, cool surface of the vase and the intricate, colorful figures that adorn it. The scenes depict women and children, adding a layer of social commentary to the piece. Crafting porcelain involves sourcing kaolin clay, shaping it on a wheel, firing at high temperatures, and then decorating it. Each step requires a skilled artisan, and the final product is a testament to the labor involved. In this instance, the painting of the figures adds another layer of labor, transforming it from a functional object to a decorative one. By understanding the materials and the making process, we can fully appreciate this piece, and challenge the traditional art versus craft divide.