Covered Bowl c. 1735

This covered bowl was made by the Du Paquier Porcelain Manufactory in Vienna, sometime between 1718 and 1744. The piece is made of hard-paste porcelain, a challenging material to master, requiring precise control of the kiln to achieve its characteristic translucence. The bowl's surface is adorned with colorful fruit and floral motifs, painted by hand, and enhanced with delicate gilding. Each element contributes to the bowl’s ornamental aesthetic. Notice the details of the handle, the finial in the lid, and the way that the fruits have been rendered. Du Paquier was the second factory in Europe to master this difficult material, previously only known to the Chinese. Porcelain held a special allure, coveted for its beauty and rarity, and this bowl reflects the European aristocracy's desire for luxury goods. The immense amount of labor involved in the extraction, refinement, production, and decoration of porcelain objects like this bowl speaks to the changing culture of labor, aesthetics and value that existed in the 18th century. The bowl is a testament to the technical expertise of its makers, blurring the lines between craft and art.