Ewer with flowering plants near a rock c. 1740

This Ewer with flowering plants near a rock was made out of faience, and tin glaze by Chantilly. Consider the smooth, cool surface of this ewer, achieved by applying a tin glaze. The painted decoration, with its delicate floral motifs, belies the complex processes that brought it into being. The material itself, faience, is a reminder of the historical interplay between Europe and Asia, as European potters sought to imitate the prized porcelain of China. This ewer is not just a vessel; it's a testament to the global exchange of materials, skills, and aesthetics that shaped the decorative arts. It speaks to the labor involved in extracting raw materials, processing them, and skillfully shaping them into functional objects. By appreciating the making of this ewer, we gain insight into the broader social and economic forces that shaped its creation.