Pickle Stand 1770 - 1772

This pickle stand was produced by the American China Manufactory around 1770-1772. It has a complex structure of three shell-shaped dishes connected to a central support, itself adorned with smaller shells and topped with a small bowl. The piece is made of porcelain and decorated in cobalt blue. What’s striking is the use of natural forms transformed into something ornamental. Each element of the piece has a distinct surface treatment; the shell-shaped dishes have a delicate, rippled texture, while the support has a more rugged, organic feel. This interplay between different textures and forms is a hallmark of the Rococo style which favored elaborate ornamentation and asymmetry, reflecting the period's broader cultural interest in natural sciences and exploration. The cobalt blue decoration adds another layer of meaning, evoking maritime themes. Porcelain, itself a highly prized material, becomes here a means to conjure the exotic and the luxurious. This piece is not just a functional object but also a cultural artifact, reflecting the social and artistic values of its time through its form, decoration, and the very material from which it is made.