Bowl with cover 1730 - 1740

This covered bowl was made at the Meissen Manufactory, one of the earliest European producers of porcelain. This piece would have been created using a complex combination of skilled artistry and industrial production. The porcelain itself is a mixture of finely ground materials, mixed, shaped on a wheel, and fired at a high temperature. The smooth, white surface is a testament to the technical expertise achieved at Meissen. The delicate decoration would have been added by a specialist painter, using precise brushstrokes. Look closely and you can see the intricate details of the birds and foliage. And topping it all off, a cheeky chicken. The bowl’s form and decoration speak to a culture of elite dining and display. Porcelain production was a closely guarded secret, and owning pieces like this was a sign of wealth and sophistication. Beyond its aesthetic qualities, this bowl is a fascinating object, reflecting the intersection of craft, industry, and social status in the 18th century.