Child 18th century

This porcelain figure of a child was made in Lowestoft, England, between 1757 and 1803. Its smooth, white surface and delicate form result from the specific qualities of porcelain clay and the skilled artistry required to work with it. Porcelain production in 18th-century England was part of a broader economic landscape shaped by nascent capitalism. Factories like the one in Lowestoft aimed to replicate the prized porcelain wares of China, responding to growing consumer demand. This figure was likely made using molds, allowing for relatively quick reproduction, but each piece still required meticulous hand-finishing and painting. The figure’s creation reflects a division of labor, with workers specializing in different stages of production. This figurine is not just an aesthetic object, but also a testament to the industrialized craft practices and social dynamics of its time.