Terrine met onderschotel, beschilderd met bloemboeketten c. 1764 - 1768

This terrine with a matching underplate, painted with bouquets of flowers, was made at the Weesper porcelain factory. This factory, established in the town of Weesp near Amsterdam in the mid-18th century, catered to the tastes of the Dutch elite. These elites readily consumed luxury goods that mimicked those of the French court. Porcelain, often imported from the East or made in imitation of it, was a favored material. The decorative motifs on this terrine, like the floral patterns and the classical figure on top, reflect the fashion for refined elegance that marked the period. It's interesting to consider this object as a product of cultural aspiration, where local manufacturers sought to emulate international styles. To better understand this piece, we might explore the economic conditions that supported the Weesper factory, examining its relationship to the Dutch East India Company and other trade networks. This would allow us to view the terrine not just as a beautiful object but as a material witness to a specific moment in Dutch history.