Pitcher 1845

This is a porcelain pitcher made by the Manufacture nationale de Sèvres. Though undated, it gives us a glimpse into the world of French craftsmanship and aristocratic culture. Notice the pristine white surface adorned with delicate gilded patterns. The intertwined leaves, the crowned emblem; they speak to the luxury and status associated with the French court. Sèvres porcelain was, after all, synonymous with royal patronage and power. This pitcher isn't merely a vessel; it embodies the aspirations, the class distinctions, and the refined aesthetics of a bygone era. Consider the labor behind this object, the hands that shaped and decorated it, and the social hierarchy that determined its value. What does it mean to hold such an object, knowing its history and the stories it carries?