Saucer 1775 - 1795

This saucer was crafted by Chantilly, but its date remains unknown. It stands as a fascinating example of the dialogue between European craftsmanship and global trade in the 18th century. The delicate blue and white design is deceptively simple. It evokes the influence of Chinese porcelain, a highly prized commodity in Europe at the time. European manufacturers were keen to replicate this aesthetic for a local market. Chantilly, a French manufacturer, was known for its soft-paste porcelain, a distinctly European innovation. The imagery, while suggestive of Asian motifs, is reinterpreted through a European lens. This speaks to the complex relationship between imitation, adaptation, and the assertion of distinct cultural identities. Delving into archival records from Chantilly and studying trade routes of the period allows one to understand the social conditions that shaped its production and the artistic dialogues that were taking place.