Kop zonder oor, beschilderd met bloemen en laddermotief c. 1775 - 1778

This porcelain cup, without a handle and painted with flowers and a ladder pattern, was produced in Loosdrecht, the Netherlands, at an unknown date. It's a fascinating example of how the Dutch engaged with the global porcelain trade, attempting to produce their own versions of luxury goods. The cup's design, with its delicate floral patterns and geometric border, reflects the aesthetic tastes of the wealthy merchant class. These were the people who fuelled the demand for porcelain in the 18th century. The absence of a handle might seem odd to us now, but it's a reminder that tea and other hot beverages were often consumed in a different way. One held the cup with both hands. The Loosdrecht factory itself is an interesting case study in Dutch economic history. It highlights the attempts to compete with established porcelain manufacturers in places like China and later, Meissen. To understand this cup fully, we would need to delve into the archives of the Loosdrecht factory, examining their production methods, marketing strategies, and the social networks. This reveals the complex interplay of art, commerce, and social status in the Dutch Golden Age.