Bowl 1715 - 1730

This porcelain bowl was made by the Meissen Manufactory, which was established in Germany in 1710. In the 18th century, porcelain was known as ‘white gold’, and was a symbol of wealth and status. Here, we see transfer-printed scenes that emulate the style of Asian art, this reflects the global trade routes of the time, and the desire for exotic goods in Europe. It prompts us to consider issues of appropriation and cultural exchange. The bowl might have been used for serving food, but also as a status symbol, displayed among other precious objects. It represents the identity of its owner, a person of wealth and taste. It's design evokes a time of exploration, colonization, and the intersection of different cultures. The bowl invites reflection on how objects embody social status, while referencing the complexities of global interactions.