Small tankard 1725 - 1735

This porcelain tankard with silver-gilt mountings was made at the Meissen Manufactory, which was established in Germany in 1710. In the eighteenth century, porcelain was considered "white gold," a treasure that symbolized not only wealth but also power and status. Europeans were determined to reproduce fine porcelain, which had been imported from China for centuries. Once Meissen cracked the code, they produced tableware and decorative objects that reflected the lavish tastes of the aristocracy. The delicate floral decorations on this tankard evoke a sense of refined elegance. Note, too, how the silver-gilt mountings amplify the preciousness of the porcelain. Imagine this tankard as part of an elaborate table setting in a palace or grand estate. It speaks to the intertwined histories of colonialism, trade, and artistic innovation that defined the era. This small tankard offers us a glimpse into a world of beauty and privilege.