Tureen in the form of a melon, with a saucer in the form of a sunflower c. 1760 - 1775

This 18th-century tureen by the Dutch De Porceleyne Byl factory is a fine example of the Rococo style. The tureen is shaped like a melon, and the lid is adorned with a vine and leaves. The saucer, which is shaped like a sunflower, also has a detailed design. The tureen would have been used for serving food, perhaps soup or sauces. The intricate details and realistic depiction of the melon and sunflower are characteristic of the Rococo style, which favored ornamentation and natural motifs. This charming piece is an example of Dutch craftsmanship and the influence of the Rococo aesthetic.