Water kettle c. 1778 - 1782

This water kettle was created by Loosdrecht, crafted from faience and enhanced with a rattan handle. The body of the kettle is made of tin-glazed earthenware, also known as faience, which offered a more affordable alternative to true porcelain. Delicate floral motifs are painted over the white glaze, echoing designs found on imported Chinese porcelain. Look closely, and you can see the artisan's hand in the brushstrokes. The handle made of rattan introduces a natural, tactile element, contrasting with the smooth ceramic. The kettle gives us insight into the dynamics of trade, labor, and consumer desire. While emulating the aesthetics of luxury goods, it also made fashionable design more accessible to a broader audience. It reflects the democratization of taste during its time. This kettle is more than just a vessel; it embodies the social and cultural values of its era, blurring the lines between craft, industry, and art.