Coffeepot 1745 - 1755

This coffeepot was produced at the Meissen Manufactory, likely in the 18th century, and it’s made of hard-paste porcelain. Porcelain's creation was a closely guarded secret, its production involved labor-intensive processes of mixing, shaping, firing, and hand-painting. Notice the floral decorations: these were carefully applied by skilled artisans, highlighting the valued nature of handcraftsmanship in an era of emerging industrial production. Porcelain was highly prized, a luxury item desired for its beauty and association with wealth and refinement. It served as a symbol of status, connecting the intimate rituals of daily life to wider systems of production and consumption. The coffeepot shows how artistry and labor were directly embedded in objects of everyday use, elevating them beyond mere functionality.