Caddy (part of a set) 1735 - 1740

This porcelain caddy, standing at 5 inches tall, was created by the Meissen Manufactory, a German company, sometime after 1710. It’s a product of its time, reflecting Europe's fascination with the exotic East. The Chinoiserie style, with its fanciful interpretations of Chinese motifs, was all the rage, seen here in the imagined scenes of Chinese life. But let's not be fooled, this image doesn't give an accurate depiction. It’s a European fantasy, reflecting the desire for luxury goods and trade with the East. Porcelain itself was a prized commodity. The Meissen factory was actually the first to discover the secret of creating true porcelain in Europe. Analyzing this Caddy involves understanding the social and economic context of 18th-century Europe. What sources can we consult? Trade records, travel accounts, and of course, the vast archives of the Meissen Manufactory itself. Art history isn't just about aesthetics, it is also about understanding the institutions and the social conditions that shaped artistic production.