Saucer with a lozenge pattern formed by stripes and dots c. 1775 - 1790

This saucer was made by Clignancourt, and formed with stripes and dots. We're drawn to the material properties and the making of this object. Porcelain begins as humble clay, yet through skilled labor and intense heat, it becomes something quite refined. Notice the delicate lozenge pattern created by stripes and dots, painted by hand with incredible precision. This decoration speaks to the division of labor within the Clignancourt factory. While some workers may have specialized in shaping the porcelain, others dedicated themselves to the meticulous task of surface embellishment. The gilded rim adds a touch of luxury, reflecting the demand for fine wares among the elite. Yet, the repeated pattern also hints at the burgeoning industrial processes of the time, where designs could be replicated efficiently to meet growing consumer desires. This saucer embodies the complex interplay between craft, design, and the emerging forces of capitalism. It challenges us to reconsider traditional hierarchies between art and craft.