Bowl 1735 - 1745

This bowl was created by the Meissen Manufactory, a German porcelain producer, dating back to the early 18th century. What sets Meissen apart is its hard-paste porcelain, a European reinvention of Chinese porcelain. This bowl's flawless white surface results from precise control of materials and firing temperatures. The process involves a complex combination of kaolin clay, ground petuntse, and alabaster, fired at incredibly high temperatures, vitrifying the material to a glass-like state. The painted scenes of soldiers and horses, framed in lavish gold, are then carefully applied by highly skilled artisans. The bowl encapsulates the culture of its time, showcasing both technical and artistic virtuosity, whilst embodying the commercial ambitions of the Meissen factory. It shows how craft and design are linked to social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. By considering its materials, making, and context, we can appreciate the full meaning of this object, and challenge conventional art boundaries.