Kop, beschilderd met pluimvee in een landschap c. 1782 - 1784

This delicate cup, painted with fowl in a landscape, was made in Loosdrecht, Netherlands. Porcelain like this was the apex of ceramic production in its day. Its creation involved a complex combination of skill, labor, and material refinement. From sourcing the finest kaolin clay to the precise control of kiln temperatures, each stage demanded expertise. The cup's thin walls and translucence speak to the mastery of the potter. The painted decoration, depicting a bird in a natural setting, reflects the period's fascination with the natural world. Producing pieces like this involved a whole community of artisans and laborers. The creation of the cup was a deeply social process, involving divisions of labor that are often overlooked when we focus on the final, beautiful product. The gold trim, delicate painting, and overall refinement speak to a culture of elite consumption, and how much value was put into the artistry of the everyday object.