Bowl with cover (Écuelle) 1735 - 1736

This covered bowl, or ‘Écuelle’, was crafted in the 18th century by Antoine Plot. The shimmering silver surface immediately captures our attention, its smooth, reflective texture shaped into elegant, concentric curves that rise to meet a central knob-like handle. Notice how the horizontal orientation is emphasized by the two ornate handles on either side, which provide a visual anchor and balance to the overall design. Plot’s mastery is not just in the material but in the structural harmony he achieves. The bowl's form adheres to classical ideals of proportion and symmetry, yet also subtly plays with notions of containment and display. The lid, for example, is not merely functional; its concentric design is integral to the bowl's visual narrative and conveys an almost musical sense of rhythm. Consider how the surface of the silver interacts with light. As the bowl reflects its surroundings, it engages in a dialogue with its environment, blurring the boundaries between art and space. This is a piece that invites us to reflect on the relationship between aesthetics, utility, and the cultural codes of luxury and refinement that defined its era.