Fruitmand van faience c. 1750 - 1775

This fruit basket was produced by De Drie Posteleyne Astonne, using tin-glazed earthenware, known as faience. Faience involves coating a shaped clay form with a white glaze, providing a blank canvas for decoration. The floral motifs, painted in bright colors, add a touch of luxury to a humble material. The openwork design, with its intricate lattice and delicate perforations, would have required considerable skill and precision. The form itself mimics woven baskets, common objects made from organic materials, but here transformed into a more durable and precious object. This speaks to the broader social context of the time, when ceramics were increasingly valued for their decorative qualities, and the skilled labor involved in their production. Considering the artistry and effort invested in the production of this seemingly simple object, it encourages us to rethink traditional hierarchies between art and craft.