Inkstand c. 1750 - 1782

This inkstand was made by De Twee Scheepjes, though we can’t be sure when. It's made of earthenware, covered with a tin glaze, and then painted in vivid colors. You can see the sheen of the glaze, which gives it a smooth, almost slippery look. The material is relatively low-cost compared to porcelain, and it allowed for a lot of playful experimentation. This piece doesn't take itself too seriously. Look at how the various parts have been molded, and then hand-painted. The clock at the center, the reclining figure, the little landscape on the base, and the rather odd candlestick holders – all of this speaks to a studio practice in which there was a division of labor. Each individual would have brought their own skills to bear. This inkstand brings together elements of craft, design, and even painting, blurring the lines between these categories. It reminds us that “art” isn't just about the final product, but about the people and processes that bring it to life.