Parrot (one of a pair) 1736 - 1746

This delicate parrot was crafted at the Meissen Manufactory, a leader in European porcelain. Made of fine white clay, it was likely formed in a mold, then meticulously hand-painted. Porcelain was essentially a high-tech material at the time. Its invention in Europe was a closely guarded secret, as it had previously only been produced in China. The parrot's smooth, translucent surface speaks to the alchemical process involved: intense heat transforming base materials into something precious. The act of production is key here. The Meissen factory was a complex social organism, employing many artisans, each with specialized tasks. This division of labor allowed for high-volume production, satisfying the growing demand for luxury goods among the European elite. These porcelain sculptures blurred the line between art and craft, playing a vital role in shaping consumer culture, and the aesthetics of the domestic sphere.