Vase 1761

This vase was produced by the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres, a French porcelain factory with a long and complex history tied to the French monarchy and later, the state. These objects existed within the aristocratic culture of pre-revolutionary France. Their creation and ownership were deeply embedded in social hierarchies. Consider how something as seemingly simple as a vase, becomes an emblem of power and privilege. Porcelain itself, was a highly valued material, and its production was a closely guarded secret. The Sèvres factory was known for its exquisite craftsmanship, luxury goods intended for the royal court and the upper classes. Reflect on how the decorative arts, like this vase, played a role in shaping cultural identity and class distinctions in 18th-century France. This vase embodies the complexities of history, luxury, and social identity.