Tureen with cover (part of a set) 1755 - 1765

Pierre Chapelle II crafted this porcelain tureen with cover in the 18th century. Porcelain itself is a remarkable substance, made by firing a specific clay mixture at extremely high temperatures. Its pure white color and delicate nature made it a coveted material, synonymous with luxury, and it demanded great skill to shape and decorate. Notice the fluid forms of the tureen, achieved by molding the clay before firing. The swirling handles and elaborate floral decoration speak to the Rococo style, favored by the European aristocracy. The mold was essential to make the object, it's a production process in which the labor is divided, and the aesthetic of the object as a whole is enhanced by this process. It represents more than just an eating utensil, it signifies refinement, wealth, and social status. Consider the immense labor involved in extracting, preparing, shaping, firing, and painting the porcelain; all elements of production which give this tureen its true value, far beyond its function.