Covered, ovoid jar with antiquities and flower sprays c. 1700 - 1724

This small, covered jar, decorated with antiquities and flower sprays, forms part of the collection at the Rijksmuseum. Its anonymous maker worked with porcelain. The imagery on the jar is a fascinating blend of cultural references, most notably from China. The object speaks to a long history of trade and cultural exchange between East and West. The depiction of antiquities, alongside the floral motifs, suggests an appreciation for scholarly pursuits. The jar invites us to consider the complex dynamics of cultural appropriation and adaptation that have shaped the history of art and design. Understanding its creation requires delving into the archives of trade routes, colonial histories, and museum collections. The jar's meaning is not fixed but rather evolves in relation to the ever-shifting contexts in which it is encountered.