Schotel, veelkleurig beschilderd met bloemboeketten, stooribloemen en insekten. c. 1759 - 1771

This dish was made at the Weesper porcelain factory, decorated with colorful flowers, and insects. Porcelain is a high-status material made by combining kaolin clay and petuntse, then firing it at extremely high temperatures. Notice the form of the dish. The undulating rim and molded shell motifs are echoed in the hand-painted decoration, which includes scattered sprigs and floral bouquets. The images may seem whimsical, but there's a hidden labor story here. Porcelain production was highly competitive at this time, and factories frequently poached each other's skilled decorators. The elaborate finish of this dish is a testament to the expertise of the painters, and the commercial imperative to capture the luxury market. The decoration is not just a superficial addition; it's integral to the identity and value of the piece. By considering the materials and the labor involved, we gain a richer understanding of the cultural and economic forces at play in its creation.