Vase (one of a pair) 1735 - 1745

These vases were made at the Meissen Manufactory, known for its porcelain production. Each vase is made with high-fired porcelain, meticulously molded and painted. Notice how the smooth, white surface is decorated with delicate, colorful scenes and ornate patterns, a testament to the skill of the Meissen artisans. The figures atop the lid are also individually hand-sculpted and painted. Porcelain production was a complex, labor-intensive process involving multiple stages, from mixing the clay to firing, glazing, and decoration. In the 18th century, porcelain was prized for its beauty and rarity and associated with wealth and status. These vases reflect the hierarchical organization of labor within the manufactory, where specialized workers contributed to different stages of production. The Meissen Manufactory's pursuit of perfection transformed porcelain into a symbol of luxury.