Lepel met gebogen steel c. 1778 - 1782

Curator: This lovely object is a ceramic ladle, sometimes referred to by its Dutch name, "Lepel met gebogen steel," which translates to "Spoon with a curved handle". It dates from around 1778 to 1782 and comes from the Loosdrecht porcelain factory. Editor: Oh, wow. It's so delicate. It looks like it's dreaming of being a swan! I love the curved handle; it gives it a sense of playful movement, like it's dancing in the air. Curator: Absolutely, it's a stunning example of rococo decorative art. What is so interesting is its connection with the rise of luxury goods, as well as class, culture and consumption in the 18th century. Rococo reflected and influenced aesthetics that centered themes such as celebration, entertainment and artificiality in contrast to authenticity, reflecting class boundaries and conspicuous consumption. Editor: It's kind of funny to consider something like a soup ladle as a status symbol. But then again, good food has always brought people together or separated them, hasn’t it? I wonder what stories this ladle could tell, what kinds of tables it’s graced, the soups it has served. Curator: Considering the historical context, there are stories related to Dutch trade routes and colonialism embedded in something that seems so quaint. The Dutch East India Company traded goods and enslaved peoples globally. Editor: Food itself is laden with issues of identity, race, power, history and politics...it makes you think about who had the leisure and privilege to commission or even just own an object like this back then, and who was excluded. And what was considered elegant, luxurious, against what the masses considered important. Curator: Exactly, it reflects broader societal dynamics. The value and appreciation were determined within exclusive circles. That also brings to question the artistic interpretation behind the craftsmanship. Editor: True, what’s so captivating is how objects from a past era echo in our lives today. I can see that craftsmanship still inspires makers everywhere today! Curator: I concur. Editor: Yeah!