Leaf dish c. 1720

This leaf dish was made in the early 18th century, at the Meissen Porcelain Factory, the first to produce true porcelain outside of Asia. Porcelain is a mix of fine white clay, and powdered stone, fired at incredibly high temperatures. The result is a perfectly smooth, white, and non-porous surface, ideal for delicate objects like this. Forming the clay into the shape of a leaf, complete with a branch-like handle, requires a complex process of molding and hand-finishing. The gold decoration would have been applied by skilled painters, likely working long hours in the factory. The social context is key here. Meissen porcelain became a status symbol for the European elite, who collected these wares to display their wealth and taste. Yet, the skilled labor required for production was often overlooked. This leaf dish, therefore, reminds us to appreciate the art of making, challenging conventional ideas of artistic value and luxury.