Schotel, beschilderd met groenten en vruchten omgeven door strooibloemen c. 1777 - 1790

This is a plate, painted with vegetables and fruits surrounded by strewn flowers, created by Porseleinfabriek Den Haag. The design of this piece offers a peek into the world of Dutch material culture, reflecting the country’s colonial history and trade relationships. China's porcelain was highly sought after and subsequently imitated by European manufacturers. The Hague Porcelain Factory, active in the late 18th century, catered to wealthy Dutch consumers. Here we see a combination of Dutch and Asian aesthetic traditions, as the vegetables, fruits, and flowers are painted with a level of detail reminiscent of Dutch still-life painting. The arrangement of the motifs creates a sense of abundance and harmony. Consider how the act of dining, using such refined objects, was a performance of social status and cultural identity. The objects we use everyday tell stories about who we are, and who we aspire to be.