Vase c. 1750

This vase, of unknown date and authorship, is made from porcelain, a refined type of ceramic valued for its smooth, white surface. The vase has been decorated with a blue underglaze. This process involves painting the design onto the object before the final firing. The cobalt pigment turns blue when fired at high temperatures, resulting in a delicate, translucent effect beneath the glossy glaze. It's a labor-intensive process, each stage demanding precision and skill. The uniformity of the vase speaks to a well-established division of labor, reflecting a system where specialized artisans contributed to different stages of production. As such, its very form embodies the social and economic structures of its time. So, next time you see a piece of porcelain, consider not just its aesthetic appeal, but the rich history of making and the many hands that brought it into being.