Kop, beschilderd met een vand van elkaar kruisende bladslingers c. 1778 - 1782

This delicate cup, adorned with painted foliage, was made by the Loosdrecht porcelain factory. The Dutch Republic cultivated trade relationships with Asia in the 17th century, and by the 18th century tea and coffee drinking became a display of wealth, power, and worldliness. This piece reflects the colonial past of the Netherlands. The European desire for porcelain fueled an industry of imitation and innovation. Loosdrecht, one of the earliest Dutch porcelain factories, sought to replicate the prized translucent wares imported from China. Think about who had access to these luxurious goods. It was the wealthy, white elite. Cups like this were more than just functional objects; they were social signifiers, emblems of a privileged lifestyle built on global trade networks. Each sip from this cup is a reminder of the complex and often unequal exchanges that have shaped our world.