Saucer 1720 - 1745

This delicate saucer was made by the Saint-Cloud factory in France. Its milky white surface is typical of early French porcelain, a material prized for its resemblance to Chinese imports. Think about the skill required to create such refined work. First the kaolin clay had to be mixed, then formed on a wheel or cast in a mold. The subtle, repeating pattern was then carefully applied, probably using a press. After glazing, the saucer was fired at high temperature, transforming it into a durable object. While this saucer might seem simple, it represents a significant moment in the history of luxury goods. European manufacturers were racing to replicate Chinese porcelain, and Saint-Cloud was one of the first to succeed. This involved intensive research and development, and a workforce well-versed in the techniques of ceramics. The demand for these kinds of wares drove the expansion of factories and workshops, and changed the landscape of production forever. Considering the material and making of this saucer helps us understand its place in a broader history of economics, labor, and global trade, and challenges the idea of craft as separate from art.