Boy hunter 1760 - 1770

This charming "Boy hunter" figurine was created by the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory in the 18th century. Made from delicate, painstakingly rendered porcelain, the figurine displays the period's fascination with idyllic scenes of nature, reinterpreted here as a scent bottle. The porcelain itself speaks to the complex social and economic forces at play. The pursuit of porcelain was closely tied to European mercantile ambitions; its production was extremely labor intensive and required specialized knowledge of clay composition, kiln firing, and painting techniques. The soft, milky surface of the fired clay lends itself well to vibrant colors and intricate detail, which were all highly valued in aristocratic society. These figurines were produced through a division of labor, with skilled artisans contributing to different stages of production, reflecting the evolving nature of craft and industrial production at the time. Examining the materials and making of artworks like these, helps us to move beyond traditional ideas around fine art, and see the rich history of craft and design.