Wine bottle cooler (one of a pair) 1755 - 1775

This delicate wine bottle cooler was produced by the Doccia Porcelain Manufactory in Italy, active from 1737 to 1896. Its floral design and rococo flourishes speak to the aesthetic preferences of the European aristocracy during this period. But let’s consider the broader context: the consumption of wine, often associated with wealth and leisure, was inextricably linked to colonial trade routes and the exploitation of labor. Porcelain itself became a coveted material in Europe, and its production was often tied to imperial ambitions and trade with Asia. By examining the seemingly innocuous object, we can start to unearth the complex historical, social, and economic dynamics that shaped its creation and use. It invites us to reflect on how even the most beautiful things can be implicated in structures of power and inequality.