Plate c. 1726

This plate was made at the Meissen Porcelain Factory, using a combination of skilled handcraft and industrial production. Porcelain is made by combining kaolin clay with other materials and firing it at high temperatures. The resulting material is strong, vitrified, and can be decorated with intricate designs. In this case, we see a pattern of dragons and phoenixes, which were likely applied using transfer printing – a technique that allowed for the efficient reproduction of complex imagery. Meissen was the first factory in Europe to successfully produce porcelain in the early 18th century, and this plate reflects the factory's mastery of the material. Yet, this plate also reveals how the secrets of craft production can become valuable commodities in a global market. The Meissen factory was established with the support of the state. The plate is not just a functional object, but also a product of a complex web of economic and political forces. This plate challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, asking us to consider the relationship between aesthetics, labor, and capitalism.