Bord, beschilderd met slingers waaraan boeketten hangen

About this artwork

height 3.5 cm x diameter 25 cm

Art Historical Context

This delicate porcelain plate, titled *Bord, beschild met slingers waaraaneketten hangen* ("Plate painted with garlands from which bouquets hang"),ails from the Manufacture Oud-Loosdrecht, pioneering Dutch porcelain factory active in late 18th century Produced around 1778–1782, it measures just 3.5 cm in height and 25 cm in diameter, making it a dainty yet elegant piece of tableware suited for affluent Dutch households. Oud-Loosdrecht, in 1774, was one of the Netherlands' first to produce high-quality hard-paste porcelain, rivaling prestigious European centers like Meissen and Sèvres. This innovation marked a shift from traditional Delftware to finer, translucent wares that could withstand the rigors of daily use while showcasing artistic flair. The plate's hand-painted decoration—flowing garlands suspending vibrant bouquets—exemplifies the factory's rococo-inspired style, blending natural motifs with playful asymmetry for a sense of opulent whimsy. As a snapshot of 18th-century luxury, this plate highlights the cultural vogue for floral exuberance in dining settings, symbolizing prosperity and refined taste amid the Enlightenment era's embrace of domestic elegance. Visitors will appreciate its technical mastery: the porcelain's subtle glow and precise overglaze enameling bring the blooms to life, inviting a closer look at Dutch ceramic artistry.