Tureen and stand c. 1778 - 1782

This lidded tureen and stand, made by Loosdrecht, is porcelain: an incredibly demanding material to master. The combination of a glassy surface and high-end decoration speaks to the extraordinary effort of mining and preparing the clay, shaping it on a wheel, firing it, and then painting it with delicate garlands and ribbons. Decoration like this could be done by specialists, who would learn the skills in a factory setting. Notice how the handle imitates a woven basket, and how the painter has added fine gold lines. This elevates the object, enhancing the whiteness of the porcelain. Porcelain wares like this became very fashionable with the European aristocracy, who desired refined luxury goods. Looking closely at the object, you get a sense of the many hands that contributed to its making, and the wide distribution networks required to get it into a wealthy household. This tureen is a potent reminder that objects like this one have a complex and multifaceted history, deeply intertwined with social class, labor, and the wider economy.