Bowl with cover and tray 1715 - 1735

This bowl with cover and tray was made at the Saint-Cloud factory, a center of porcelain production in France during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. These objects are made from soft-paste porcelain, a material developed in France to imitate Chinese porcelain. Notice the intricate, repeating patterns impressed into the surface of the clay. This involved skilled labor, each piece carefully molded and decorated. The factory system allowed for a standardization of design and production, making these luxury items accessible to a wider market. The bowl and tray reflect the growing consumer culture of the time, where fine ceramics became symbols of status and refinement. The act of consuming from such exquisite pieces was as much about social display as it was about the enjoyment of food. By focusing on the materials, making, and context, we can appreciate how porcelain embodies the intersection of art, craft, and social aspirations.