Bekken 1774 - 1784

This Bekken, or shallow bowl, was produced by the Loosdrecht porcelain factory in the Netherlands. Though undated, its style places it within the late 18th century, a period of burgeoning industrialization and burgeoning class division. In this context, luxury items like porcelain became powerful markers of social status. Ownership signalled adherence to aristocratic tastes, and, crucially, the financial means to acquire such pieces. The delicate craftsmanship speaks to an elite world, where leisure and aesthetic appreciation were privileges afforded to a select few. Consider how the bowl’s ornamentation – the refined lilac and gold – contrasts with the functional, everyday pottery used by the working classes. A piece such as this reflects the complex dynamics of wealth and aspiration within Dutch society. It invites us to consider the stories objects tell about identity, class, and the performance of social roles.