Two flowerpot containers (cache-pots) and stands c. 1778 - 1782

These two flowerpot containers were made in Loosdrecht out of faience, a type of glazed earthenware. Faience, with its porous body, demanded skilled craftsmanship. After an initial firing, the painter applied the decoration. Notice the idyllic scene, rendered in muted tones. This was only possible through considerable technical knowledge. The act of creating faience speaks volumes about the culture of its time. The production involved a division of labor: shaping, firing, glazing, and painting, each a distinct skill. With its rising middle class, owning decorative items like these became a statement of refinement, a way to display taste and wealth. So, next time you encounter faience, remember that it's not just about decoration. It's also about the organization of work, the desire for beauty, and the social values baked right into the clay.