Schaal, ovaal, met geschulpte rand, beschilderd met bloemen en laddermotief c. 1775 - 1778

This oval dish with a scalloped edge, adorned with painted flowers and a ladder pattern, was crafted in Loosdrecht. While its specific date is unknown, its existence speaks volumes about the society that cherished such delicate objects. These porcelains reflect the culture of refinement and leisure enjoyed by the elite, at a time when global trade and colonial exploits brought new materials and tastes to Europe. The flowers symbolize not only beauty but also the human desire to cultivate and control nature, mirroring the colonial mindset of the era. The very act of producing and possessing such porcelain was deeply intertwined with issues of class and status. It invites us to reflect on the labor and resources required to create such objects, and who had the privilege to own them. What emotions do these images evoke in you?