Chocolate pot c. 1774 - 1778

This chocolate pot was made in Loosdrecht, using porcelain, a material prized for its delicacy and purity. Its perfectly smooth, white surface has been painted with whimsical natural motifs and gilded details. But consider for a moment what it took to produce this refined object. The porcelain itself is the result of a complex recipe of minerals, fired at high temperatures. Then there is the hand-painting, requiring the skilled application of pigments. Lastly, the gilding, adding precious metal to elevate the pot to luxury status. All this skilled labor speaks to the growth of specialized industries at the time, and to the rituals of elite consumption. The very idea of drinking chocolate was imported from the Americas, fueled by exploitation. So, while this pot may seem pretty on the surface, it’s also a reminder of the social and economic forces that shaped its creation. It’s in this context that we can fully appreciate the true value and complexity of this object.