Potpourri with cover 1760 - 1765

This is a porcelain potpourri with cover made by Niderviller in France. Think of this object as the 18th-century equivalent of an air freshener, designed to perfume the air of a wealthy household. Its Rococo style, with its elaborate curves and fanciful decoration, speaks to the aristocratic tastes that dominated European art during this period. We see it in the depiction of a cherubic figure, a common motif associated with luxury and pleasure. The porcelain itself was a status symbol, reflecting the owner's wealth and access to exotic materials. Niderviller was one of several manufactories established in France under royal patronage. These institutions not only produced exquisite objects but also served as showcases of French artistic and technological prowess. By studying the archives of Niderviller and other similar institutions, along with period inventories and social histories, we can better understand the cultural values and economic structures that shaped the production and consumption of objects like this potpourri.