Inkstand 1755 - 1765

This Inkstand was made by the Ludwigsburg Porcelain Manufactory sometime around the late 18th or early 19th century, crafted from delicate porcelain. At the time, porcelain was considered a luxury material. It required great skill to produce, particularly the kind of intricate latticework and sculptural detail seen here. Notice the two cherubs perched on top, one engrossed in a book. The entire piece is adorned with delicate, painted flowers and a striking purple trim. This kind of object was not only a functional item for the desk, but a display of wealth and refinement. Porcelain manufactories like Ludwigsburg were businesses, employing many artisans to create these coveted objects. So while the Inkstand may seem purely decorative, it also speaks to the social and economic structures of its time. It embodies the immense labor involved in its making. By considering the materials and the context, we can appreciate how this seemingly simple object blurs the lines between art, craft, and social history.