Bourdalou 1710 - 1720

This Bourdalou was made at the "Greek A" Factory, likely in the 18th century, using faience, a type of tin-glazed earthenware. Faience allowed the makers to imitate the whiteness of porcelain, a highly prized material at the time. The floral decorations are painted onto the glazed surface. The fluid brushstrokes contrast with the rigid geometric pattern around the rim, suggesting different hands at work, or perhaps different levels of skill. This division of labor was common in ceramic factories of the period, reflecting the influence of industrial modes of production. The creation of such an object would have involved a complex series of steps, from preparing the clay to firing the finished product. The social context of its use - as a personal hygiene item for women - adds another layer of meaning. Considering the material, making, and social context of the Bourdalou, we understand how it challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.