Broth bowl with cover (écuelle) 1724 - 1725

This broth bowl with cover, or écuelle, was crafted in France by Gabriel Tillet, sometime in the early 18th century. The reflective silver surface immediately commands attention. Its circular form, from the rounded bowl to the domed lid, creates a sense of enclosure and completeness. Observe how the eye is drawn around the bowl by the linear patterns, contrasting with the intricate, almost baroque handles, which project outwards, disrupting the bowl’s symmetry. These elements are not merely decorative; they play with the notions of containment and expansion. We can examine it as a signifier of wealth and status, where each curve and flourish speaks to a culture of refinement and display. The bowl transcends its functional purpose, becoming an emblem of social hierarchy. This écuelle, therefore, offers a glimpse into the complex interplay between form, function, and social meaning.