Teapot 1735 - 1750

This Teapot was produced by the Meissen Manufactory, its date is unknown, and it is made of porcelain and metal. To appreciate this teapot, you have to understand the intense labor involved in its making. Porcelain is a challenging material; its kaolin clay is difficult to control. Yet here, it’s been skillfully thrown into a perfectly round form and embellished with elaborate details. Observe the handle and spout, formed as serpentine dragons; these were probably separately cast, then carefully applied. The monochrome landscape painting is also typical of Meissen, and would have been executed by a specialist painter. The result is a testament to division of labor, something that the Meissen factory pioneered in Europe. With different artisans working on specific elements, the factory could achieve a high throughput of product and ensure consistent quality. Ultimately, this teapot is a prime example of how design and craft flourished under early capitalism, transforming luxury items into commodities.