Vase 1725 - 1735

This vase, standing at just under 11 inches, was crafted out of porcelain at the Meissen Manufactory in Germany. These vases speak to the economic and cultural history of eighteenth-century Europe. Meissen was the first European factory to successfully produce hard-paste porcelain, previously a closely guarded secret of Chinese manufacturers. The floral decorations, while European in style, reflect the broader phenomenon of Chinoiserie, where Chinese motifs were adapted for Western tastes. The establishment of Meissen was directly supported by the state, as the factory was intended to generate revenue for the Saxon royal family. It’s interesting to consider how the vase, as a luxury item, served as a symbol of status and wealth within the rigid social hierarchy of the time. Analyzing auction catalogs, private collections, and the factory’s own records can offer a deeper understanding of the vase’s original context, revealing how it was viewed and valued by its owners.