Saucer 1695 - 1725

This porcelain saucer was produced at the Saint-Cloud factory, near Paris, a leading center of ceramic production in France. Its delicate floral patterns echo the broader cultural fascination with the East, reflecting the global trade networks that defined the period. The story of this saucer lies not just in its aesthetic appeal, but in the social and economic transformations it represents. In 17th and 18th century Europe, porcelain was more than just tableware; it was a symbol of status and refinement, eagerly collected by the aristocracy. Factories like Saint-Cloud were instrumental in democratizing access to luxury goods, thus reshaping consumption patterns. To fully appreciate this object, we might turn to archival records from the Saint-Cloud factory, along with studies of trade routes, and sociological analyses of consumer behavior in early modern Europe. This saucer offers a tangible link to the social world from which it emerged.