Saucer with the coat of arms of the House of Orange c. 1808 - 1815

This saucer, bearing the coat of arms of the House of Orange, was made by an anonymous maker, using delicate porcelain clay, likely in the 18th century. The perfectly white material speaks to the global trade in kaolin clay, from which porcelain is made. At this time, porcelain was a luxury material, and was desired for its smooth, even texture, and its ability to be decorated with bright colors and gilding, like the gold edge and crest we see here. The fine details would have required the work of highly skilled artisans. The cultural significance of the piece is tied to the elaborate firing process which gives the material its strength. This specialized knowledge, often held within families or workshops, was highly valued. As a result, even a small item like this saucer reflects a complex combination of material, making, and social status. It truly blurs the boundaries between craft, design, and the fine arts.