Tureen c. 1759 - 1771

This tureen was made at the Weesper porseleinfabriek, a Dutch porcelain manufactory. Notice the bright floral decoration and the charming bird finial on the lid, all rendered in delicate ceramic. Porcelain like this was all about controlling appearances. Its smooth, white surface was highly desirable, but the process of achieving it was labor-intensive. First, the clay had to be carefully prepared and molded. Then, after an initial firing, the piece would be glazed and fired again at an even higher temperature. This required specialized kilns and experienced workers. Finally, the floral decoration would be meticulously hand-painted. The status associated with porcelain meant that even smaller producers like the Weesper factory could find a market. Every step of the way, the makers of this tureen were striving for perfection in their material, knowing that their livelihoods, and that of the factory, depended on it. Paying attention to the materials and making process allows us to appreciate the social context that shaped it, and to move beyond the traditional categories of fine and decorative art.