Basket 1740

Here, we have a delicate basket made by De Paauw from an unknown date. The porcelain's white ground is adorned with a striking cobalt blue. The basket’s structure is defined by alternating solid medallions and voids, creating a dynamic play of presence and absence. The medallions, painted with floral motifs, contrast with the geometric cut-outs, which challenge traditional notions of container design. The twisted rope handles add a tactile element that draws attention to the functionality, and also the aesthetic design, of the piece. The basket destabilizes the conventional form by integrating negative space as a compositional element. This reflects a broader interest in disrupting established categories and meanings, and aligns the basket with movements that question traditional artistic values. The basket invites ongoing interpretation, and underscores how its formal qualities engage in a larger philosophical discourse on form and function.