David Gabarisco, a Prussian dwarf 1756 - 1766

Around 1750, the Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory created this porcelain figure of David Gabarisco, a Prussian dwarf. Porcelain is made by firing a mixture of kaolin clay and ground petuntse rock at extremely high temperatures. The result is a pure white, translucent, and very hard material – ideal for fine tableware and luxury objects like this one. The figure's vibrant colors come from metallic oxides added to the glaze, a glassy coating fired onto the porcelain surface. Notice the incredible detail – each flower petal and facial expression meticulously rendered. This was only possible through the division of labor, where artisans specialized in specific tasks. The figure reflects the 18th-century fascination with novelty and the exotic, but also reminds us of the social realities of the time, when even individuals with physical differences were turned into commodities for the entertainment of the elite. So, next time you see a porcelain object, remember the complex interplay of material, skill, and social context that gives it meaning.