Bord met vogels op takken en boeketten

About this artwork

voet: diameter 13,2 cm

Art Historical Context

Welcome to our exhibit featuring exquisite 18th-century porcelain from Porzellanmanufur Frankenthal, a renowned German manufactory active from 1755 to 1800. This delicate plate, titled *Bord met vogels takken en boeket* ("Plate with Birds on Branches and Bouquets dates to around 1771. Measuring just 3.4 cm in height and 24.9 cm in diameter—with a sturdy foot of 13.2 cm—it showcases the manufactory's mastery of scale and precision, perfect for a dinner table or collector's cabinet. Crafted using the "turning" technique—where wet porcelain clay is shaped on a lathe for smooth, symmetrical forms—this piece exemplifies Frankenthal's expertise in hard-paste porcelain, a durable material rivaling Meissen's finest. The surface bursts with hand-painted vignettes of perky birds perched on flowering branches amid lush bouquets, capturing the Rococo era's love for playful, naturalistic motifs that evoked the elegance of aristocratic gardens. Historically, under Elector Palatine Charles IV Theodore's patronage, Frankenthal porcelain symbolized luxury and technical innovation during the Enlightenment. These plates were prized export wares, blending artistry with functionality and delighting collectors with their vibrant enamels and whimsical wildlife—a charming snapshot of 18th-century opulence.